The Opposition has called out today’s ferry announcement as another broken promise, saying it falls short of the Labor Government’s commitment to build public transport vehicles in NSW.
Earlier this year, Transport Minister Jo Haylen said Labor’s ‘Made in NSW’ domestic manufacturing policy meant that “We need to build our trains, trams, buses and ferries right here.”
The announcement that the ferries will now be built in Tasmania is clearly yet another embarrassing broken promise by the Labor Government.
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said “Firstly, this investment in providing world-class public transport services was secured under the former Liberal and Nationals Government.”
Shadow Minister Ward continued, “This is a great deal for Tasmanian workers, but workers in NSW are getting shafted by a Premier who is now sending jobs he promised them to another state.”
“Manufacturing elements of the Sydney Ferry fleet in Tasmania is not a revolutionary step in domestic manufacturing, the previous Government utilised the capability during our time in office.” Mrs Ward said.
In 2015 the Liberals and Nationals Government awarded Incat Tasmania a contract to build six new ferries in its Hobart Shipyard.
In addition, in 2020 the Liberals and Nationals Government announced three new Emerald class ferries were to be completed in Port Macquarie with 70% Australian content for the ferries including all the design, procurement, engineering, and project management for the project.
“This announcement is a smokescreen by the Government to cover up for the facts that they haven’t delivered on their election commitments and can’t guarantee when the jobs they promised will be available.” Mrs Ward said.