Share the load: Premier Rockliff demands ‘collective responsibility’ for Tasmanian ferries fiasco

Premier Jeremy Rockliff remains “pissed off” by the Spirits ferries fiasco, urging project players to share responsibility for a saga that has already cost minister Michael Ferguson his job.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has provided an uncharacteristically frank assessment of the Spirit of Tasmania ferries debacle, admitting he was “pissed off” by the port infrastructure bungle, and urging the project’s players to share responsibility for a saga that has already cost senior government minister Michael Ferguson his job.

As the government prepares to publicly release the expert report it commissioned into the upgraded Devonport berths – which are required to accommodate the new Bass Strait vessels – the Premier was asked whether TasPorts had accepted its share of blame for the fiasco, following Mr Ferguson’s cabinet departure and the resignation TT-Line chief executive Bernard Dwyer.

“We all need to take collective responsibility when it comes to matters surrounding TT-Line and the new ships,” Mr Rockliff said.

“I’ve said that before in parliament, and I have apologised on behalf of everyone … for the situation we find ourselves in.

“It’s not good enough, and I’m pissed off.

“But we will get it done”.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff is angry about the ferries fiasco. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

While the first new Spirit of Tasmania vessel is due to arrive in Tasmania later this year, and the second in early 2025, the ferries are expected to run at greatly reduced capacity for at least their first 12 months of operation because the new berth won’t be ready in time.

A recent Public Accounts Committee inquiry heard damning revelations of infighting and poor communication between TT-Line and TasPorts, while the saga has also coincided with the exits of TT-Line chair Michael Grainger, and TasPorts chairman Stephen Bradford.

When asked by the Mercury whether TasPorts had taken its share of responsibility for the Spirits saga, chief executive Anthony Donald said while his organisation’s “component of the project [was] completed”, the TasPorts project team remained available to assist with future infrastructure requirements.

TasPorts chief executive Anthony Donald. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

“TasPorts recognises the critical role of the Spirit of Tasmania vessels to Tasmania’s tourism and freight sectors, as well as the state’s community and economy,” Mr Donald said.

“It is of course disappointing for Tasmanians that this situation has occurred, which is why we are focused on supporting TT-Line and the state government with infrastructure to support the arrival of the new vessels.”

Infrastructure experts Ben Moloney and Peter Gemell, who were appointed by the government to oversee the Devonport upgrade project in August, delivered a report on the berth facility to the Premier last Friday.

On Tuesday, Premier Rockliff said he was still considering the contents of the Gemell and Maloney report, but committed to making a public response to its findings on Thursday.

While it is understood the full report will also be released on Thursday, Labor frontbencher Ella Haddad said the Tasmanian public deserved to see its findings now.

“We have seen just how badly the Spirits project has been handled by the Rockliff government, and we have seen a senior minister lose his job as a result,” Ms Haddad said.

“But we still don’t have the Gemell and Maloney report, and Jeremy Rockliff needs to release it immediately.

“He made a big fuss last week in parliament of saying it was coming out on Friday last week. “But here we are on Tuesday, and there’s nothing for the public to see.”

Originally published as Share the load: Premier Rockliff demands ‘collective responsibility’ for Tasmanian ferries fiasco