It's even worse than anyone could have imagined.

Jeremy Rockliff has further delayed the arrival of the Spirits, likely until 2027. The additional delay will cost our tourism industry another $500 million. 

When they do arrive, the Spirits will be second-hand. Tasmanian taxpayers have paid nearly a billion dollars for new ships, but it's now another country's tourism industry that will benefit first. It is a national embarrassment.

The Premier has torn up his own government's direction to TasPorts and TT-Line to build a temporary wharf at Berth 1, due to the massive cost, serious safety concerns, impact on SeaRoad and the fact the ships could only operate at half capacity from there anyway. We have been warning about these problems for months.

This could well be the biggest infrastructure stuff up in Australian history, and it has occurred on Jeremy Rockliff's watch. He has been the Premier and Minister for Tourism since April 2022 and has not provided the oversight and leadership required for such an important project.

The fact is, Jeremy Rockliff's minority government has stuffed up the Spirits, mismanaged our GBEs and let down our tourism industry. 

After 10 years of the Liberals, Tasmanians will be wondering how much longer they can afford to put up with this complete and costly incompetence.

Dean Winter MP
Labor Leader
Shadow Minister for Tourism & Hospitality