Govt newspaper ‘update’ on Spirits project draws scathing criticism
The government took out a series of pricey double-paged adds in major Tasmanian newspapers on Saturday to provide an extensive “update” on the Spirits project. But has anyone been convinced?
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On Saturday, major Tasmanian newspapers hosted a double-page government spread on the controversial Spirit Ferries project — an “expensive PR move” that drew sharp criticism from opponents.
The public update coincided with the arrival of Spirit IV, the first of the new ferries, in Scotland, where it will remain while the government attempts to secure a lease, preferably in Europe.
Deputy Labor Leader Anita Dow condemned the government’s PR campaign, calling the newspaper spread an “outrageous” waste of taxpayer money filled with “extraordinary” and inaccurate claims.
“The ships are five years late, $500 million over budget, we still have nowhere for them to berth, and Tasmanians are paying $50,000 a week to store them in Scotland,” Ms. Dow said.
“Tasmanians won’t be fooled by this PR exercise.”
The government’s update stated that it is in discussions with a broker to arrange the leasing of Spirit IV, with advice on “potential arrangements” expected within two months.
The vessels must be leased because, as the government explained, “The new vessels are not made to sit still. We need to ensure they are in constant use, and by leasing the vessels, Tasmanians will also directly benefit financially and avoid vessel storage costs.”
If leasing proves financially unviable, the government plans to explore storage options in Tasmania. It assured taxpayers that, should this occur, TasPorts would not charge TT-Line for storage.
In response to concerns that the ships will be “second-hand” after leasing, the government insisted, “Not at all. These are purpose-built ships for TT-Line and will serve Tasmanians and visitors alike for decades to come. Any potential lease arrangements will be carefully managed.”
Ms. Dow described this response as “extraordinary.”
Defending the decision to berth Spirit IV in Scotland, the government said it provided “the best opportunity to secure a charter and access the best markets, delivering maximum financial benefit for Tasmanians.”
“It would be a waste of taxpayer dollars to bring the vessel to Hobart, only to return overseas for a potential lease,” it added.
The government reiterated its commitment to completing the vessels’ final fit-out in Tasmania, noting that items such as mattresses, artwork, and blankets had already been purchased locally. However, social media users accused the government of misleading the public, claiming the majority of the fit-out must be completed in Europe to make the vessels suitable for leasing.
Economists, including Saul Eslake, have warned that the Spirit Ferries delays could cost the Tasmanian tourism economy hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue.
When asked whether the delays had reduced tourism, the government flatly responded: “No.”
Construction of Berth 3, required to host the new ferries, has been “fast-tracked,” according to the government, with completion expected by February 2027. Efforts are underway to bring this date forward to October 2026, ahead of the peak summer season.
Ms. Dow dismissed claims of fast-tracking as an attempt to rewrite history.
“The berth was meant to be ready now, but it won’t be until 2027. The facts speak for themselves,” she said.
Photos of Spirit IV docked in Scotland have been widely shared in shipping enthusiast groups online, attracting many scathing comments.
“Spirit of Anywhere but Tasmania,” one commenter wrote.
“That’s closer than we can get,” quipped another Tasmanian, adding, “12,000+ miles closer.”
eleanor.dejong@news.com.au
Originally published as Govt newspaper ‘update’ on Spirits project draws scathing criticism
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