Labor and TFGA spokesperson dead wrong on freight claims

Yesterday’s spectacular own goal on international freight by Labor infrastructure spokesperson, Craig Farrell, shows that Labor still has no idea when it comes to freight services.

On WIN News last night, Mr Farrell said that Labor was opposed to restoring vital international shipping services to Tasmania. At least Labor now has a position on international freight services, it’s just unfortunate that their position is Tasmania shouldn’t have any. Trying to drag Tasmania’s exporters back to the dark ages is not a policy to be proud of and no wonder Mr Farrell looked embarrassed when he was forced to admit Labor opposes restoring Tasmania’s international freight services.

The fact is that in nine months the Liberals have done more to increase freight capacity than Labor did in nine years.

Hysterical claims from Labor and the TFGA spokesperson alleging produce is at risk of rotting on the wharves are just not true, neither are claims that the amount of freight capacity on the TT-Line has been reduced.

I categorically reject the assertion from the TFGA that there has or will be any reduction in freight capacity on the Spirits following their refurbishments, which will take place this year.

Under the new business model, there will be a significant increase in freight capacity on the Spirits with 42 more day sailings scheduled over the 2015/2016 peak and shoulder seasons.

In addition, the commercial freight companies that service Bass Strait have already announced plans to significantly increase freight capacity.

If Mr Farrell wants to be taken seriously then he is going to have to come up with a genuine policy that will actually help Tasmanian exporters rather than increase the tyranny of distance.
Rene Hidding, Minister for Infrastructure