TASMANIAN infrastructure minister Michael Ferguson has stepped away from his role overseeing the troubled TT Line ferry and terminal project, with premier Jeremy Rockliff taking over the crucial portfolio.
Mr Ferguson becomes the second high-profile casualty of the controversy, after the government sacked TT Line chairman Mike Grainger after he appeared to contradict evidence given by Mr Ferguson to the Parliament’s Public Account Committee inquiry into the project, which is running late and substantially over-budget.
The move follows widespread calls by political opponents and some industry leaders for Mr Ferguson to be sacked, as infrastructure minister and Treasurer, but he will continue in the latter role. He also remains as one of the two TT Line and TasPorts shareholding ministers.
In a statement yesterday morning Mr Ferguson said Tasmanians were excited by the coming new Spirits but were “rightfully confused and disappointed that the necessary berthing infrastructure has not been adequately prepared in proper time.
“This morning, I provided the Parliamentary Accounts Committee with substantial details regarding the handling of the new Spirits and associated infrastructure project.
“The record is clear as to how this situation has developed and the significant interventions that the Liberal Government has been forced to take in November, June and August to help TT-Line keep it on track.
“This project is vital to Tasmania’s economic prosperity, and I am thankful for the work that has been undertaken to deliver it,” Mr Ferguson said.
“I recognise the impact of the delay in constructing the portside infrastructure and sincerely apologise to all Tasmanians for the disappointment that represents. My team and I truly tried to keep the project on track, but it proved impossible with actions taken during Caretaker rendering those efforts wasted.
“In the absence of the Company owning up to this profoundly disappointing situation, as the former Minister for Infrastructure and Transport and current Minister for Infrastructure, I will.
“The ongoing commentary concerning the project is proving an unnecessary distraction and I don’t want that to continue at the expense of a proper and disciplined focus on delivering the ships and the berths, as Tasmanians would expect.
“Also, I cannot allow the Government to be distracted from the final preparations for the upcoming 2024-25 State Budget during a time of significant national economic headwinds affecting our state.
“With all this in mind – and in the best interests of the project, the budget and the elected Government, I have today [ 26 August] spoken with and written to the Premier recommending he undertake a reshuffle and offer to relinquish my responsibility as Minister for Infrastructure. I now believe this is the only way to end the blame game once and for all, and allow the right people to focus on the solution in a stable parliament.
“I thank all those who have worked tirelessly on this project for many years as we close in on the new Spirits sailing proudly up the Mersey.” Premier Rockliff thanked “Michael for his tireless work and dedication in this portfolio.
“I understand and sincerely appreciate his desire to end the distraction associated with the current challenges involving portside infrastructure for the arrival of new Spirits.
“Under Michael’s leadership in the portfolio, we have delivered significant modern infrastructure right across our state.
“It is my intention to take on the Infrastructure portfolio and continue to deliver our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.
“Michael will continue as Deputy Premier and Treasurer and take on the portfolio of Small Business and Consumer Affairs,” Mr Rockliff said.
