When facing the Public Accounts Committee in March*, Minister Eric Abetz noticeably dodged questions about whether or not Berth 3 in Devonport remained on track to meet its new, already years delayed completion date of early 2027.
The Minister couldn’t say whether new Berth 3 project manager Paul Kirkwood had confidence in achieving the goal, instead kicking the can down the road and indicating that “hopefully things will be clearer by about this time next month.”
We’re now at the end of April, and the Minister’s ‘this time next month’ deadline has passed. Just like so many others about the Spirits fiasco, the question remains unanswered.
One of the minority Rockliff Government’s biggest failings throughout the Spirits saga has been its inability to be open and transparent about the project. The cover up has been just as bad as the crime.
Now his self-imposed deadline has passed, Minister Abetz must come clean about whether or not the Berth 3 project remains on track.
Luke Edmunds MLC
Shadow Minister for Finance
*Public Accounts Committee – Friday 14 March 2025
CHAIR - You'll provide us with current, up-to-date timelines, is what you're suggesting?
Mr ABETZ - We are hopeful that'll be ready by middle of next month and then we will be able to advise the Committee, the parliament and the people of Tasmania with more information.
…
Mr EDMUNDS - Has the independent director, Mr Kirkwood, reported any concerns or changes in the confidence level of achieving the early 2027 completion date?
Mr ABETZ - Look, not completely as yet because the full review hasn't been finalised.
...
Mr EDMUNDS - Could I go back to the earlier answer about whether Mr Kirkwood had expressed concern about the 2027 completion date? You said, 'not completely'. Do we take from that that it's accurate to say that he has expressed some concerns, and if he has, what are they?
Mr ABETZ - Look, there are matters that are being considered at the moment, and there will be, potentially, also commercial in-confidence matters related to that, so I would beg your patience and indulgence. There are negotiations taking place as we speak, and I don't want to talk about them in detail lest that should prejudice any discussions. Hopefully things will be clearer by about this time next month.
