A defensive Michael Ferguson was clearly feeling the heat this morning - wasting no time in trying to throw TT-Line under the bus for what many are calling the biggest infrastructure stuff-up in Tasmanian history.
Despite being the shareholder Minister for both TT-Line and TasPorts, Ferguson claimed that TT-Line acted without his knowledge and didn't advise him of their decision to change contractors for the berth 3 upgrades at Devonport which has delayed the timeline for completion.
The Treasurer referred to TT-Line's actions as an 'inadvertent oversight' and claimed that his knowledge was that the berth 3 upgrades were on track for completion in time for the new Spirits' arrival.
The fact Treasurer Ferguson thought everything was on track despite nothing being signed and nothing being built less than a year out from the ships' arrival date is extraordinary.
Treasurer Ferguson brought the companies together for a special meeting back in November 2023 and then asked for monthly updates from both TT-Line and TasPorts. Clearly, he was concerned about the lack of progress, but he allowed the problems to escalate.
According to Ferguson, the Government feel like they have been let down by TT-Line throughout this saga - the Treasurer should realise that the Tasmanian taxpayers feel let down by his Liberal Government's failure to deliver, and his personal failure as the shareholder Minister.
Businesses in the North West have been let down by the Government. The Spirits are five years late, $500 million over budget and unable to operate at full capacity when the first new Spirit is finally operationally - and we are still not sure when this will be.
Tasmanians are sick of this government failing to deliver projects crucial to the state, and the economy.
Anita Dow MP
Deputy Labor Leader
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure
