In another episode of Labor’s relentless negativity, Tasmanians have been fed misinformation on this morning’s ABC Mornings program by the Leader of the Opposition.
Mr Winter continues to peddle untruths in relation to berthing options in Devonport.
Mistruth 1: Mr Winter falsely claimed that the alternative berthing options were declared unfeasible in the Gemell Report of February 2024. Wrong.
Facts: The Gemell Report, which is publicly available, clearly recommended that Berth 1 (as well as other options) be “diligently and comprehensively evaluated” as interim solutions to berth the Spirits while TT-Line worked on delivering its permanent Berth 3.
That recommendation was accepted and pursued by the Government and TasPorts with the cooperation of the Harbour Master, until simulations conducted in early October led to Berth 1 being ruled as unfeasible.
Mistruth 2: Mr Winter falsely claimed that the investigations into alternative berthing arrangements led to further delays on Berth 3 works. Wrong.
Facts: The investigations into alternative berthing solutions did not delay any works at Berth 3. This was made clear in the Ministerial Direction given to the company in June to “take all necessary action to facilitate and ensure the timely completion of infrastructure works required to be undertaken at Devonport by the Company at Berth 3, and the required refuelling infrastructure for the new vessels so far as it is reasonably possible to do so.” Works at Berth 3 have been ongoing, while alternative solutions were investigated.
While nobody is pleased about the situation in which we find ourselves, it doesn’t mean Labor will get away with peddling misinformation to Tasmanians.
Mr Winter should start telling the truth and immediately correct the record.
