Ms FORREST to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Dr GOODWIN

With regards to the TT-Line Company Pty Ltd's Members' Statement of Expectations and recent refurbishment of the Spirit of Tasmania Bass Strait ferries -

(1)  Does the Government intend to review the current Statement of Expectations which was prepared in and applied since 2012? 

(2)  How does the refurbishment and employment of foreign workers as alleged in recent media coverage align with section 5 of the Statement of Expectations and the Government's commitment to use local workers and suppliers? 

(3)  What is the expected lifetime of the refurbished ferries before they will need replacing?

ANSWER

Mr President, I thank the honourable member for Murchison for her question. 

(1)  Yes.

(2)  TT-Line sought expressions of interest from a variety of Tasmanian, Australian and international companies for the turnkey contract for refurbishment of the Spirit of Tasmania ferries.  No Australian company, let alone Tasmanian company, tendered for the contract.  In a media release of 10 March 2015, TT-Line Chairman Mike Grainger said that UK‑based Trimline was contractually obliged to use as much Tasmanian labour and consumables as possible. 

       On 7 August 2015, Premier Will Hodgman said that he expected TT‑Line to receive a statement in relation to employment on the project from the company once it is completed.  I am advised that at least 200 Tasmanian workers have been involved in the project.  Of the 30 subcontractors engaged by Trimline, 21 are Tasmanian companies. 

(3)  TT-Line estimates the ships will require replacement in about 2023.

Ms FORREST question to the LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Dr GOODWIN

[2.41 p.m.]

Supplementary to that, one needs to remind oneself that one needs to be very specific in one's questions and to always put 'if not, why not' or 'if so, when'.  It would be interesting to know when the Statement of Expectations will be reviewed.  If the Leader could find that out it would be helpful.  I do not expect it right now. 

ANSWER

Mr President, I will take that on notice.