Directive ignored: Government minister explains why TT-Line chair had to go

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NewsDirective ignored: Government minister explains why TT-Line chair had to goBy Matt MaloneyUpdated August 15 2024 - 1:27pm, first published 12:32pmBy Matt MaloneyUpdated August 15 2024 -

1:27pm, first published 12:32pmFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyEric Abetz says the former TT-Line chairman Michael Grainger has the opportunity to share his side of the story over the Spirit

of Tasmania vessel replacement program at a parliamentary inquiry at a later date. The Tasmanian government asked for TT-Line chairman Michael Grainger's resignation after he ignored a

directive from the Premier following a roundtable meeting over the Spirit of Tasmania vessel replacement project, government minister Eric Abetz has said.

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50% off EOFY SaleAll articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperCrosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll other regional websites in your areaContinue The project has been

thrown into turmoil over the past six months with an additional $80 million payment for the vessels authorised by the board for the new ships, and a delay of up to two years for the required

port infrastructure at East Devonport.

The latter resulted in a ministerial direction from Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson and Transport Minister Eric Abetz to Tasports and TT-Line to get on with the job.

The government intervened on the port infrastructure project on Wednesday to deliver a temporary berthing facility for the new ships, and a permanent facility, by making two appointments to

get the two projects moving.

"I'm not interested in excuses, or the blame game," Premier Jeremy Rockliff said in a statement.

"I want solutions and I want them now."

Mr Grainger followed with a statement, saying he disputed evidence provided to the Public Accounts Committee on Monday regarding the vessel replacement project.

Mr Ferguson, State Growth department representatives and TasPorts representatives had appeared before the committee that day.

He said he looked forward to "setting the record straight" when it was time for his appearance before the committee.

His immediate resignation was then requested and accepted by the government.

Mr Abetz on Thursday said Mr Grainger had failed to heed the Premier's directive.

"After that statement, unfortunately, about three hours later, the statement was put out, re-engaging in the blame game," he said.

"Mr Grainger is more than entitled to appear before the committee, and the action that we have taken will not impact on that in any way, shape or form.

"But what it does do is stop the blame game."

Mr Abetz said the government had retained confidence in the rest of the board.

TT-Line declined an opportunity to comment.

ShareFacebookTwitterWhatsappEmailCopyMatt MaloneyPolitical reporter for Australian Community Media, based in Hobart.Political reporter for Australian Community Media, based in Hobart.More

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