Premier says decision soon on bringing new TT-Line ferry to Tasmania
The Spirit of Tasmania IV is docked in limbo at a Scotland port. The Premier has shed light on the latest timeline on its future.
Politics
Don't miss out on the headlines from Politics. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The state government will make a decision soon whether to return the Spirit of Tasmania IV to Tasmania.
Attempt are being made to lease the vessel in the northern hemisphere as it waits for berthing infrastructure to be ready in Devonport.
Labor on Wednesday renewed its call to bring the ferry to Tasmania — saying more than $1m has been on berthing and associated costs in Scotland.
Mr Rockliff said a decision was imminent.
“We will come to that decision point very soon, when it comes to the leasing of the spirits, we’ll do our due diligence, and we’ll ensure that we get the best value for taxpayer funds,” he told reporters.
“I’ve always said when it comes to the Spirits.
“Should we not be able to lease the Spirits, then of course, we’ll bring the Spirit back to Tasmania.”
Minister for Transport Eric Abetz has previously said the completed ship would cost $380,000 per month in crewing costs wherever it was berthed and the cost of a return trip to Tasmania would be in the order of $8m.
The government has unveiled a $24m package to help offset the estimated $500m in additional revenue the tourism industry is missing each year the ferries are delayed.
Labor leader Dean Winter said affair was an extravagant waste of money.
“Jeremy Rockliff has now spent more than one million dollars of Tasmanian taxpayer money to hide Spirit IV in Scotland,” Mr Winter said.
“As revealed by the government, Spirit IV is racking up $380,000 per month in crew costs, close to $200,000 for the first 30 days of storage in Leith, and approximately $100,000 for the second 30 days of storage.
“We still don’t have any idea how much Tasmanian taxpayers have been forced to spend on ancillary costs like power, fuel, and maintenance.
“The government have said those costs are being incurred on a ‘do and charge’ basis but 56 days after Spirit IV arrived in Scotland, they’ve revealed nothing.”
Hurry up and hire new EPA boss, Libs told
The state opposition has implored the government to appoint a new director of the environmental watchdog, five months after its former boss advised the Premier of his intention to retire.
Still waiting: Premier’s promise to doctors not a reality yet
Last year, the Premier ordered the Department of Health to change the rules and allow rural generalists to expand their scope of practice. But that has still not happened.