Tasmanian Labor stands for safe, secure and well-paid jobs.
That's why we're pleased that Tasmanians are one step closer to getting answers about the Liberals' cover-ups and delays regarding the Spirit of Tasmania replacement project, following the establishment of a parliamentary inquiry into the matter yesterday.
On Wednesday, I met with Public Accounts Committee Chair, Ruth Forrest to discuss my concerns around the TT-Line's decision to alter its contract with RMC, pay $80 million of Tasmanian taxpayer money and its potential breach of caretaker conventions. Following that meeting I wrote to her with proposed terms of reference for a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) inquiry and I am pleased the Committee has agreed to undertake that work.
We look forward to finally getting some answers to the questions being asked by Tasmanian people and businesses affected by the delays, including:
- How much will the ships actually cost the Tasmanian taxpayer?
- When will Spirits IV and V be in service?
- What is going on with the Devonport Port upgrades, which are critical to the ships' operation but have had the tender documents torn up?
- Did TT-Line meet its caretaker convention obligations?
- What has happened to the promises of $100 million of local content, which includes a significant refuelling commitment?
The Spirits replacement is the largest and most significant infrastructure project in the state's history and Tasmanians deserve full transparency around the project.
Dean Winter MP
Labor Leader
