Tasmania's infrastructure minister has told a parliamentary inquiry he was worried about ferry operator TT-line's ability to deliver port infrastructure for the new spirit of Tasmania ferries. The first of the bigger and better bass strait ferries is due to arrive in Tasmania at the end of this year, but the port won't be ready until January 2026.
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00:00While two new Bass Strait ferries were being built in Finland, back in Tasmania, it was
00:07becoming clear their new home in Devonport was behind schedule.
00:11We're taking responsibility for these failings and are committed to making it a success for
00:18Tasmania.
00:19An upgraded docking area won't be ready until January 2026.
00:24That's more than a year after the first ship is set to arrive, and will force it to carry
00:29fewer passengers and vehicles.
00:31If you have one company that has a history of infrastructure upgrades around ports, you've
00:37got another company that doesn't have such a history and is a ferry company, did you
00:43have any concerns?
00:44That's actually why I've ridden the department very hard throughout the course of the last
00:48number of years.
00:50The infrastructure minister has told a parliamentary inquiry he repeatedly raised concerns with
00:56But the company insisted the project was on track for August this year.
01:01I was satisfied with the assurances that the government would not be let down.
01:07In fact, they're the exact words, Minister, we will not let you down.
01:10In a November meeting with Tasports and TT Line, it was agreed the Department of State
01:15Growth would have greater involvement and oversight of the project.
01:20Tasports also told the minister it was worried.
01:23The answer was, I've got a problem, because what you're saying is I'm getting the exact
01:28opposite answer from the other party.
01:32It says it offered to help TT Line.
01:34They have chosen at all points to do it themselves, that is their choice.
01:39During the election, without consulting the government or department, TT Line ripped up
01:44its port upgrade contract, delaying the project.
01:48It signed a new deal 11 days ago.
01:53It's a new deal.
01:54It's a deal.
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