Today’s Question Time has made it crystal clear the Liberals have lost control of the largest and most significant infrastructure project in the state’s history.

Last night Treasurer Michael Ferguson made the extraordinary admission that TT-Line’s decision to give more than $80 million of taxpayer money to Finnish shipbuilder RMC, outside the terms of its fixed price contract, was made on 21 March – two days before the election.

The payment was outside the terms of the TT-Line’s existing contract, was certain to attract substantial public interest, involved a significant amount of taxpayer money, and would bind the incoming government.

Despite this, and despite feeling the need to brief both major parties about potential delays just three weeks earlier, TT-Line didn’t see fit to advise anyone in government about the payment until 5 April, when the Finnish Government agreed to the terms of the joint bailout.

Why would they brief about the delays, but not an $80 million bailout?

This morning, the effective value of the bailout grew, when Minister Abetz informed the house that penalty clauses for delays to the Spirit delivery had been waived – meaning the Tasmanian taxpayer is now on the hook for the $80 million, plus the value of any foregone penalty entitlements.

Then came the kicker – the Premier couldn’t even provide an updated estimate about when the ships would commence sailing, and he wouldn’t say if he has confidence in the TT-Line Board.

The delivery of the new Spirit vessels is the largest and most significant infrastructure project in the state’s history, yet the party at the helm of the operation is clearly out of its depth.

Anita Dow MP
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure