‘More to come’ from Spirit inquiry as shadow treasurer Josh Willie blasts TT-Line, TasPorts bonuses

Generous bonuses paid to the leaders of Tasmanian GBEs responsible for the stalled Spirit of Tasmania project did not pass the pub test, the state’s shadow treasurer has claimed.

Labor treasury spokesman, Josh Willie, addressed the media in Hobart on Sunday. Picture: Duncan Abey

Generous bonuses paid to the leaders of Tasmanian government-business enterprises responsible for delivering the stalled Spirit of Tasmania vessel and infrastructure projects did not pass the pub test, the state’s shadow treasurer has claimed.

Following revelations that TasPorts chief executive Anthony Donald had received a $48,000 bonus on his $538,000 salary package in 2023/24, while TT-Line supremo Bernard Dwyer received a total of $565,000, Labor MHA Josh Willie said Premier Jeremy Rockliff had reneged on a promise not to approve bonuses.

“The Premier said he’s taking control of the ferries fiasco, but he has completely lost the plot,” Mr Willie said on Saturday.

“It doesn’t pass the pub test that TT-Line and TasPorts executives are going to receive over half a million dollars worth of bonuses after the biggest infrastructure stuff-up in Tasmanian history.

Spirit of Tasmanian IV first sea trial. Picture: Spirit of Tasmania

“Premier Rockliff himself said he wouldn’t approve bonuses, but in the annual reports it’s been revealed that’s exactly what took place.

“This should be a great project that will boost our economy something that Tasmanians can celebrate … but unfortunately, it has been an absolute debacle.

“It’s $500 million over-budget, there is a five-year delay, and it’s hurting the Tasmanian economy.”

The Spirit of Tasmania saga has already proven costly for the government, with damning revelations of poor communication between key stakeholders during recent Public Accounts Committee hearings, and the resignation of Michael Ferguson, first as Infrastructure Minister, then as Treasurer and Deputy Premier.

Hobart, Tuesday 15th October 2024. Premier Jeremy Rockliff at the Hobart Waterfront. Picture: Linda Higginson

Minister Michael Ferguson currently Premier in relation to TT-Line Spirits inquiry. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Mr Willie predicted that will the PAC inquiry not yet concluded, more information would come to light about the ferries debacle, and urged the Premier to come clean on exactly

“Let’s be honest here, the government has been less than transparent,” Mr Willie said.

“It’s through Labor questioning in the parliament and the PAC inquiry that Tasmanians are getting the answers to this very fiasco.

“It’s not good enough, and there has been a culture of cover up.

“And it’s time for Premier Rockliff to take control.

“We need these ships to be in service as soon as possible – they are going to give a great boost to the Tasmanian economy, and they’re something that Tasmanians can be proud of.

“But we need to get this right.”

Josh Willie Labor member for Clark. UTAS Financial Position inquiry at parliament. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Mr Willie said Tasmanian many tourism operators had invested in their businesses in anticipation of the new ferries’ increased capacity, but were now left waiting because of the inability of TasPorts, TT-Line, and the government to appropriately upgrade berthing facilities in Devonport.

Mr Willie said Labor was demanding reforms to Tasmania’s GBEs, with their charters to focus less on profitability, and more on their overall contribution to the Tasmanian economy.

A government spokesperson said no bonuses for the delivery of the Devonport port infrastructure for TT-Line or TasPorts management had been, or would be, granted by the Premier.

“We have been clear: we are sorting the Spirits, fixing the GBEs, and backing our tourism industry,” the spokesperson said.