Media release – Anita Dow MP, Deputy Labor Leader, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, 9 December 2024
Bring the Spirits home
Today, Labor is launching a petition to call on Premier Jeremy Rockliff to do the right thing and bring the Spirits home to Tasmania.
One of the most frequent questions I’m asked about the Rockliff government’s Spirits fiasco is “Why don’t we just bring them home?”
The ships are called the Spirits of Tasmania, not the Spirits of Scotland.
TT-Line Interim Chair Damian Bugg KC made it clear that the chances of Spirit IV being leased out were unlikely.
It doesn’t make sense to spend at least $50,000 per week keeping Spirit IV in Scotland on a wing and a prayer that it could be leased.
The best place for the Spirits is right here in Tasmania. They’ll be safe, we can complete the local fit out, create local jobs and make sure they are ready to go as soon as the berth is.
Let’s bring the Spirits home.
To sign the petition, Tasmanians can visit: https://taslabor.org.au/campaigns/bring-the-spirits-home/.
Media release – independent Braddon MP Miriam Beswick, 10 December 2024
TIME TO TURN THE POLITICS DOWN ON SPIRITS
Independent Braddon MP Miriam Beswick has called for the political games to end when it comes to the new Spirits.
“It’s time for process to be put ahead of politics,” Mrs Beswick said.
“Labor’s petition to ‘bring the Spirits home’ isn’t helpful.
“The Opposition’s done a good job applying scrutiny to the Government’s handling of the saga, but the time for politics is over.
“Bringing them home might turn out to be an unwise financial decision.
“TT-Line’s Interim chair has made it clear that no risks will be taken when it comes to Spirit of Tasmania IV.
“I trust Damian Bugg to make the right call on behalf of Tasmanians. If there is a viable leasing option in the northern hemisphere, it should be explored.
“I don’t buy the argument that the ship is being stored in Scotland to avoid embarrassment. The horse has bolted when it comes to embarrassment.
“We need to make wise fiscal decisions to lessen the impact on Tasmanian taxpayers.
“TT-Line has made it clear that sailing the ship from Europe to Tasmania would be expensive and would close the door to potential opportunities.
“We’re already losing opportunities due to the delays; we don’t want to lose more by making a rash political decision.
“I’d urge everyone to take a deep breath and let the process play out.
