The new Spirits of Tasmania are now six years delayed, and in real terms it means $3 billion worth of economic activity will be lost. And that’s only if you can trust the Liberals to deliver on the new timetable.

Business says it can no longer trust the government and I can understand why.  This is a government that never delivers.

We have seen shocking occupancy data out of the north west coast and now operators are carrying additional debt because, unlike the Liberals, they invested and got themselves ready for the new ships to arrive.

The north and south are not immune either.  One hospitality business in Launceston says conditions are the worst they have seen in 40 years and in the far south, the new ships are absolutely critical to businesses like the Huon Valley Caravan Park - who rely on the peak summer season to sustain their business.

The Premier needs to explain what his plans are for more day sailings.  For months now, Labor has been calling TT-Lineto add as many day sailings as it possibly can over summer and the shoulder seasons.  The best way to support tourism, hospitality and our exporters is through boosting capacity in and out of the state.

The extra spots on the Spirits must be made available to book now to add more capacity.

Jeremy Rockliff says additional sailings will be added based on demand, but that’s not good enough.  Labor is calling on the Government and TT-Line to add the additional sailings to the schedule now so they can be locked in, and people can actually book.

Dean Winter MP
Labor Leader
Shadow Minister for Tourism & Hospitality