The Liberals have delayed the delivery of new Spirit of Tasmania vessels until at least 2028, in a decision taken against the advice of the TT-Line Board.
Shadow Infrastructure Minister Shane Broad said the government is using COVID-19 as cover for its own incompetence.
"It is extremely disappointing that the new Spirits are delayed until at least 2028," Dr Broad said.
"The original timeline for the new Spirits vessels has been blown out of the water, proving yet again that the government has no credibility when it comes to delivering major infrastructure projects.
"Tasmanian tourism operators now have nothing to look forward to until at least 2028 and any hope for local manufacturing is at least six years and two elections away.
"This is a problem of the government's own making - if they hadn't already delayed the project four times, the new Spirits would be under construction right now.
"With this government's record, how can Tasmanians have any confidence that the ships will be built anywhere, including in Australia?"
Dr Broad said there are no lengths the government won't go to, to avoid the reality of their infrastructure incompetence.
"Last week the Liberals accused Labor of being reckless when raising legitimate concerns about the Spirits.
"The government also denied there was an issue with the shipbuilding negotiations, only for the Premier to throw the whole project overboard this week.
"The Liberals have ignored the advice of the TT-Line Board and are instead covering up their infrastructure incompetence with spin, and the establishment of yet another taskforce.
"It is deplorable that the Liberals are using COVID-19 as cover for their inability to deliver the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels - Tasmanians deserve better."
Shane Broad MP
Shadow Infrastructure Minister
