The Liberal Government has no plan to replace the already aging Spirit of Tasmania vessels.
Labor Leader Bryan Green said the short term political strategy of the Liberal Government would undermine the profitability of TT-Line and expose taxpayers to significant risk.
“The TT Line today conceded the Government’s plan will reduce future profits and deplete cash reserves to pay for replacement ships,” Mr Green said.
“The government is stripping profits from the TT Line that will undermine the business and expose the taxpayers of Tasmania to significant risk.
“The Liberals are robbing the TT Line and Tasmanian taxpayers will be forced to the foot a massive bill when the time comes to replace the ships.
“The government’s politically motivated demands on the TT Line are short-sighted and totally irresponsible.
“It is clear that Rene Hidding has absolutely no long term plan to fund the replacement of the aging Spirit of Tasmania vessels.
“He has no idea when they will be replaced and he has no idea how they will be funded.
“We’ve been told today the replacements ships will be well over half a billion dollars.
“If the TT line is unable to make a significant contribution to the cost of the new ships the impact on the Tasmanian budget will be horrendous.
“It will make the cuts the Liberals are making now in the budget to pay for its current election promises look like chickenfeed.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader
