Bryan Green: Captain steers off course on TT-Line

Premier Will Hodgman needs to correct the record over when he was told of SeaRoad’s purchase of a new freight ship.

On Tuesday Mr Hodgman indicated he found out about the announcement on Monday May 26, just like everyone else.

“It was with some delight that we learned of an announcement yesterday by Mr Kelly of SeaRoad Holdings that he will spend more than $100 million on a new ship.”

However, in Parliament today Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding revealed he informed the Premier of the purchase via text message on Saturday May 24.

Labor Leader Bryan Green said the Premier had been caught out.

“Clearly Will Hodgman has misled the House and he needs to correct the record at the earliest opportunity,” Mr Green said.

Mr Green said Labor’s primary concern was the future viability of TT-Line and holding the Liberal Government to account over its promise to bring down fares by 20 per cent.

“I warmly welcome the news of SeaRoad purchasing a new freight vessel,” Mr Green said.

“But the Liberal Government has failed to answer questions about how it will ensure that TT-Line remains viable under its directive to ‘vacate the field’ on freight and what affect this will have on freight prices.

“In Parliament today the Liberals failed to rule out drawing a special dividend from TT-Line, which would financially cripple the business.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader