With TT-Line set to appear at tomorrow’s PAC hearing, we need to get the record set straight once and for all.
On Michael Ferguson’s watch, the new Spirits project has spiralled into the biggest infrastructure stuff up in Tasmania’s history. The new Spirits are five years late, $500 million over budget and costing Tasmania’s economy another half a billion dollars every year they’re delayed.
Outside of the economics, there are numerous questions that still need answering regarding how the project was handled by key Government Ministers.
Why did Michael Ferguson mislead a Parliamentary Committee and say that the price of the contract for the new vessels had not changed when approximately six months earlier, in April 2022 an additional $13 million was provided to RMC? Was Minister Ferguson not advised of that additional payment at the time?
Why did the Government respond with “no” when the Premier was asked by Labor whether the latest cost estimate for Berth 3 wharf upgrades was approximately $350 million?
Had TT-Line given the Government any indication that they believed the cost of the upgrades was not approximately $350 million?
And why did the former Chairman of TT-Line issue a media statement saying that TT-Line disputed evidence provided to the Parliamentary Committee on 12 August and looked forward to setting the record straight? What part of Michael Ferguson’s evidence does TT-Line dispute?
Michael Ferguson’s resignation from the Infrastructure portfolio does nothing to distance himself from the ongoing project. As Treasurer, he is still a Shareholder Minister for both TT-Line and TasPorts and his continued involvement in this debacle is astounding considering the unanswered questions about his conduct.
Allowing Michael Ferguson to retain oversight of a project he has already demonstrated his inability to manage displays terrible judgement from Premier Rockliff. Leadership starts at the top.
Anita Dow MP
Deputy Labor Leader
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure
