THE government remains tight-lipped on several significant appointments and announcements, more than seven months after snaring office in a landslide victory in March.
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Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding said yesterday locking in an international shipper to offer a direct freight route to Asian ports was steadily progressing.
"We're dealing with international companies so these things can appear somewhat ponderous at times, but things are moving forward in a sequential manner," he said.
The government has offered $33 million over three years to an operator who can demonstrate they can make the direct trade link viable in the long run.
Earlier this month, exporters accused the government of wasting time reintroducing an international shipping service, arguing the prolonged uncertainty was harming business confidence.
Sealing the deal has been plagued by delays, but the government insists a final decision is fast approaching.
Mr Hidding said the government was also edging closer to securing an Infrastructure Tasmania boss.
"I would hope to have that matter resolved within a month," he said.
The recruit will be given the task of identifying and prioritising new investments in roads, ports, rail and transport projects eligible for public funding.
Infrastructure Tasmania is expected to be up and running by Christmas.
