Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson, addressed the extraordinary public comments made by the Shadow Treasurer Dr Shane Broad following the release of the recent findings of the independent Tasmanian Economic Regulator.
In a media release on the 28th of September this year, Dr Broad asserted that there had been “deliberate stifling of competition of the service by Bass Island Line’s parent company TasPorts”.
Dr Broad’s comments allege illegal conduct on the part of TasPorts with regard to national competition law.
“The extraordinary comments are of course baseless and are directly at odds with the considered findings of the Tasmanian Economic Regulator.
“When I initially read these comments, I assumed Dr Broad had not read the report or just didn’t understand it. I thought, he would have by now either provided evidence for his serious assertions or withdrawn them.
“The comments are not only beneath the standard expected of a Shadow Treasurer from an alternative Party of Government. They are defamatory.
“However, given he has not withdrawn, I can only assume Dr Broad stands by his casual, defamatory comments.
“I can also assume that he is equally contemptuous of the independent Tasmanian Economic Regulator and his Office, which provided a comprehensive report after months of work with stakeholders on the Island.
“TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald has also comprehensively dismissed Dr Broad’s assertions of illegal behaviour.
“Mr Donald and the Chairman of the company Mr Stephen Bradford are at the table today.
“I urge Dr Broad to identify today where in the report he has found a reference to deliberate stifling of competition. I expect he cannot.
“If he cannot, I ask him to unreservedly apologise to the TasPorts representatives around this table and to withdraw the public comments he made almost two months ago.”
