Independent MPs embrace floating refugee camp plan for idle Spirit ferry

Amid speculation the new Spirit of Tasmania could be used to house Ukrainian refugees, two independent MPs say it could create a “meaningful legacy”. The latest >>

Spirit of Tasmania IV docked in Leith Scotland. Picture: Tyson Scott

The idea of using the idle Spirit of Tasmania as a floating refugee camp should not be dismissed out of hand, two independent MPs say, although another has proposed using it as a homeless shelter.

Northern independents Miriam Beswick and Rebekah Pentland say Tasmanians should have “open minds and open hearts” at the prospect.

The state government on Friday again failed to rule out the proposal, saying negotiations around a potential lease for the new Spirit of Tasmania IV while it waits for its Devonport berth to be built are confidential.

Member for Braddon Miriam Beswick said the refugee idea had merit.

“The prospect of Spirit IV becoming a temporary home for Ukrainian refugees is unexpected but shouldn’t be dismissed,” she said.

“I’ve been disappointed by the extremely negative reaction before we have any of the details.

“This may be an opportunity to show the world how compassionate Tasmanians are.

“Helping others in their time of need could create a meaningful legacy for Spirit IV.”

Independent members Rebekah Pentland and Miriam Beswick, who represent Bass and Braddon, respectively. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

Bass Independent Rebekah Pentland said an agreement could also make financial sense.

“On top of playing a constructive role in a global crisis, a lease agreement could help us recoup some of the money wasted on the project,” she said.

“If the agreement makes humanitarian and financial sense it should be properly considered.

Jacqui Lambie Network member for Lyons Andrew Jenner said the ship could be used to house Tasmanians instead.

“If today’s Spirit speculation is correct, it is yet another slap in the face for Tasmanians doing it tough and a clear-cut case of the government putting Tasmanians last,” he said.

“It may be a noble gesture to house Ukrainian refugees in Scotland, but the Tasmanian government was elected to look after the interests of Tasmanians.

“There are more than 2000 Tasmanians who are without a home. Spirit IV could house most of them. Why is that not the priority for the government?”

Minister Felix Ellis. Picture: Tasmanian Government

Labor leader Dean Winter.

Liberal Minister Felix Ellis shed no further light on negotiations on Friday.

“There’s confidential negotiations that are underway that TT-Line are leading. It’s important that that be able to run its course,” he said.

“We’ve been really clear, though. The opportunity to lease the Spirits means tens of millions of dollars returned to Tasmanian taxpayers, so we need to be looking really closely at that and getting the best deal for Tasmania.

“We’re not going to pre-empt these negotiations, but as soon as we have an update that we can provide.”

Labor leader Dean Winter said the Tasmanian people deserved an update about what was going on with the boat.

“Yesterday, we learned that the Premier was actively considering the option of leasing the ship out to house refugees in Scotland – a practice the Red Cross has warned is inappropriate for people who have been displaced from their homes.

“The ships are not designed for long-term accommodation.

“Tasmanians are paying half a billion dollars for this ship, and we don’t deserve a second hand product when it gets here.

“Today, the Premier owes Tasmanians a decision.”