The Gutwein government is not doing itself any favours with its handling of the replacement of our Bass Strait ferries.
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On the face of it, its decision to walk away from a deal with a European shipyard to reconsider if more local jobs could be created from the project was understandable.
It was contrary to the advice of TT-Line, but Premier Peter Gutwein's argument that - given the impact of coronavirus - we should do whatever can to keep jobs in Tasmania, or at least Australia, was a strong one.
Where it has fallen down is that since then the government has said nothing of any substance on the issue, sticking to the line that it is awaiting a report from the taskforce it appointed to "explore local opportunities".
When it was appointed, it was said the taskforce would make its recommendations in three to six months.
Unfortunately, it is taking its time, with the six months expiring on March 12 and the premier telling parliament on Tuesday that the report was expected "in coming weeks".
"We will then take advice on that and I hope there is a pathway we can see that will provide more Tasmanian jobs out of such a significant purchase," he said.
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Given the taskforce is dominated by senior public servants, it is hard to believe the government has not been kept abreast of its work throughout this period and has long been considering its options.
What is worrying is that it has now emerged the taskforce has not been in touch with businesses that rely on the existing Spirit service, as evidenced by Huon Aquaculture and the Tassal Group writing to the premier to express their concerns.
The salmon growers particularly noted that "a multi-hulled vessel that is subject to restriction by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority" - in others words, an Incat catamaran - would not meet their needs.
In the absence of any actual comment, and a failure to answer basic questions, there is growing concern the government may put its short-term political concerns ahead of Tasmania's best interests.
A catamaran might buy votes in Glenorchy, but it's not what the state's tourism industry, or our exporters, want.
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