Premier Jeremy Rockliff has betrayed Tasmanian tourism and hospitality operators - particularly those in the North-West - who have been repeatedly assured at least one of the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels will be operating by the end of the year.
This is a massive let down and he should at least apologise to tourism and hospitality operators who have been so badly let down - again.
In Question Time today, not only did the Premier effectively admit that the new Spirits wouldn't be in operation this summer, he couldn't even guarantee they would be fully operational for the following summer 2025-26.
Each year the Spirits are delayed costs the Tasmanian economy another $350 million. These delays are devasting for tourism and hospitality businesses across the state - but particularly so for businesses in the North-West, that are banking on increased passenger numbers.
Once again, it has taken Labor asking questions in Question Time for the Premier to finally tell the truth.
The delivery of the new Spirits has become a scandal of titanic proportions. Cost blowouts have hit nearly half a billion dollars, a five year delay and we've seen secret bailout payments, misleading of the Parliament and breaches of caretaker conventions during an election.
This is arguably our largest infrastructure project in nearly three decades, and if the Premier can't deliver it by the summer like he's been saying he would - he needs to be upfront with the Tasmanian people and claim responsibility for this monumental mess.
Dean Winter MP
Labor Leader
Shadow Minister for Tourism & Hospitality
