Gillard passes on Geoff Lyons’ plan to float another ill-conceived idea

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has dumped the ill-conceived proposal from ALP Member for Bass Geoff Lyons for a Bell Bay-to-Brisbane training ship.

Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck made the comments in response to Labor’s announcement of a $22 million freight and maritime package today.

The announcement completely overlooked Mr Lyons’ plan and bolted on Tasmanian Labor’s own freight taskforce deliberations.

Senator Colbeck said it was an embarrassing repudiation for the sitting member.

“The result is yet again a piecemeal package that has been dreamt up completely outside the consultative processes that the government itself is funding and due to provide a first report in June,” Senator Colbeck said.

“Labor’s lack of a plan has been part of the problem for Tasmania.

“The Tasmanian Labor government under Lara Giddings is only interested in clinging to power with the greens and Julia Gillard is no different at a federal level.

“The government’s “shipping plans” have been part of the problem for Tasmania, driving up the cost of shipping for local producers and manufacturers, along with the carbon tax, and not bringing one extra vessel onto the coastal trade.

“It has, however, reduced competition and that reduced competition has seen costs rise.

“As is so often the case Labor is now spending taxpayer dollars trying to fix the problems and extra cost to industry that its policies have caused.”

SENATOR THE HON RICHARD COLBECK Senator for Tasmania Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries and Forestry Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation, Industry and Science