Opposition leader Dean Winter commits to returning Spirit ferries

Labor has pledged to bring both Spirit of Tasmania ferries to Tasmanian waters by Christmas if he wins the July state election. How he plans to do it.

Labor leader Dean Winter kicks off state election campaign for 2025 in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Labor has pledged to bring both new Spirit of Tasmania ferries in Tasmanian waters by Christmas if it wins the July state election.

The opposition leader urged Tasmanians to consider changing the government.

“Tasmanians have got a choice here at this election,” he said.

“They’ve got the opportunity for a fresh start under a Labor government, or they’ve got the opportunity to continue on with a Liberal government that has sold Tasmanians out at every turn.”

Spirit of Tasmania IV in Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland. Picture: Lee Groves

One of his party’s key initiatives will be to relocate the ferries left stranded abroad by the failure to prepare berthing facilities in time.

“Today I announce a Winter Labor Government will have both Spirits of Tasmania back in Tasmanian waters by Christmas,” he said.

“There will be no mucking around with attempting to lease either one, or keeping them in Scotland at huge cost to taxpayers.

“On day one as Premier, I will direct TT-Line to take all necessary steps to bring both our new Spirits home to Tasmania.

“Once they are home, they should be fitted out straight away, creating local jobs.”

Premier Jeremy Rockliff told journalists on Friday the Spirits would be home as soon as possible.

Mr Winter said Labor would also bolster the TT-Line board with a tourism representative.

“In addition, Labor has today reaffirmed its commitment to the Tasmanian tourism sector by ensuring they are never shut out of key decisions about our Spirits again,” he said.

Labor leader Dean Winter kicks off state election campaign for 2025 in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“We will mandate a dedicated seat on the TT-Line board for a Tasmanian tourism industry representative – selected in consultation with the industry itself.

“Jeremy Rockliff knew about the berth delays at Devonport as early as April 2024 but failed to communicate this to the tourism sector for months – leaving operators to invest and plan for a boost in visitors that never came.

“Tourism Tasmania found out about the delay by watching the television news.”

Mr Winter said Labor would announce its candidates “soon”.

“I’m really excited about the candidates that will be running. I’m really excited about the candidates right across the state that we’ll be presenting to Tasmanians.”

Mr Winter also pledged to work to upgrade roads in the state’s north and northwest to fix damage caused by storms.