In an extraordinary development this afternoon, TT-Line has confirmed the Premier knowingly misled Parliament last month about the massive cost blowouts at Devonport Port.

Last month, the Premier took on notice a question about the cost of the wharf upgrades at Devonport. Later that evening, the House was told:

“In response to the question by the Leader of the Opposition to the Premier asking, “can he confirm that the latest estimate of the cost of Devonport upgrades is now around $350 000 000”, I can advise the answer is no.”

When the cost of the project was revealed to be $375 million, the Premier tried to claim he had not misled Parliament because his government had not been advised of the updated cost estimate at the time the answer was given.

But today, the CEO of TT-Line sensationally told the Public Accounts Committee the Government was advised in December 2023 of the estimated cost blowouts, and in that same month the Government approved an increase in TT-Line’s borrowing limit to cover the additional estimated costs.

It appears not only did the Premier mislead Parliament in his original answer—which he took a full day to prepare—but also subsequently misled Tasmanians by claiming the government had not been advised of the updated cost estimate. Once again, the Liberals have been caught out being dishonest with Tasmanians.

Misleading Parliament is extremely serious and has serious consequences. The Premier must provide a full and immediate explanation of his conduct.

Anita Dow MP
Deputy Labor Leader
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure