Tasmanian Premier Backs Embattled Deputy Amid No-Confidence Motion

73
2
Tasmanian Premier Backs Embattled Deputy Amid No-Confidence Motion

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has expressed full confidence in his embattled deputy and treasurer, Michael Ferguson, despite mounting speculation that a majority of MPs will support a no-confidence motion against him this week.

Ferguson resigned as infrastructure minister in August following the botched rollout of new Spirit of Tasmania ferries and port upgrades. He is now facing a no-confidence motion when parliament resumes on Tuesday.

A majority of MPs have indicated their likely support for the motion, should it be raised.

Rockliff defended Ferguson, stating that he had "accepted responsibility" for the Spirits bungle and describing the no-confidence motion as a "stunt" by the Labor Party.

Should the motion pass, Ferguson would resign as a minister and move to the backbench, according to Rockliff.

"I have always said in my 22 years of being a member of parliament, the will of the Tasmanian people is reflected in the Tasmanian parliament, irrespective of the makeup," Rockliff said.

The project to build two new, larger Spirit of Tasmania ships and port infrastructure has been plagued by cost overruns and delays.

The first of the two ships has been built and handed over to Tasmanian authorities. However, the permanent home for the new vessels at Devonport is not expected to be completed until early 2026.

Rockliff took over responsibility for the delivery of the ships in August when Ferguson resigned as infrastructure minister over the saga.

A report examining the feasibility of upgrading the berth currently used by the existing Spirit vessels as a temporary solution is due by Friday.

The report will detail the cost of upgrading the berth and the timeframe for its completion.

While using the temporary berth, the new ships will only be able to carry as much freight and passengers as the existing, aging vessels.

There has been speculation that the government could look to berth the new ships overseas, potentially in Singapore, if it decides not to upgrade the temporary berth.

Rockliff attributed the situation to "failures of governance" by state-owned companies TT-Line and TasPorts. He expressed his commitment to reforming these companies and rewriting the ministerial charters that govern them.

Rockliff also expressed concern for Ferguson's well-being following news reports on Friday that he had been declared bankrupt 30 years ago. He stated that he had spoken to Ferguson over the weekend and felt for his deputy's well-being.