Time’s up for Minister on King Island

 Minister’s 48 hour King Island shipping assessment should be finalised
 Freight situation affecting the whole island
 Farmers and businesses can’t get access to what they need

Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding’s self-proclaimed 48 hour time limit to find a solution for King Island’s shipping crisis is now up.

Labor Member for Braddon Shane Broad said those relying on the shipping service are increasingly frustrated.

“The freight issues are affecting the whole island,” Dr Broad said.

“Farmers can’t get the fertiliser they need, tradies can’t get supplies and the bars are even running out of beer.

“Rene Hidding gave TasPorts 48 hours to respond to the crisis, but in reality the Government has had three years to prepare for this.

“The Minister continues to play down the situation which is not consistent with the way people are feeling on the island.

“The ship in use is simply inadequate and it will be tested further when we experience rougher conditions on Bass Strait.

“The Minister needs a contingency plan immediately.”
Shane Broad MP Labor Member for Braddon Shadow Minister for Primary Industries