Latest news with #Abetz
Sky News AU
12-06-2025
- Business
- Sky News AU
‘Cynical': Tasmanian parliament vote of no confidence examined amid stadium concerns
Tasmania Business and Transport Minister Eric Abetz examines the Tasmanian vote of no confidence controversy concerning the proposed Tasmanian stadium. 'We are committed to the stadium, there's no doubt about that,' Mr Abetz told Sky News host Chris Kenny. 'Let's be clear, back in 2019, the organically grown Tasmanian task force for an AFL team recommended a stadium in the CBD at the current location with a roof. 'The Labor Party, they were against it, now they're for it. 'People are every cynical … this was destruction, negativity writ large.'
The Herald Scotland
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Spirit of Tasmania ferry scandal threatens to sink government
For six months, the Tasmanian Government has wrestled with its decision spend £450m on two new ferries to link it with Australia, despite not having ports large enough to accommodate them. In a startling mirror-image of Scotland's own ferry fiasco, costs to build the both the dual-fuel ferries and their berths have ballooned since the plan was laid down – and now the ports are not expected to be ready till next year at the earliest. Since December, one of the ferries – Spirit of Tasmania IV – has languished at the Port of Leith in Edinburgh, at a cost of £22,000 per week to the Tasmanian taxpayer. And this week the bill came due for the state's Liberal premier Jeremy Rockliff, who faced the collapse of his 'rainbow coalition' and lost a no confidence vote, with the ferries one of several reasons he had lost the faith of parliament. In October, the scandal cost the frontbench position of the government's Treasurer and Deputy Premier Tasmanian Liberal Michael Ferguson. Tasmania's ferry fiasco is not too dissimilar to Scotland's woes (Image: Jane Barlow) Now the state stands poised to head to the polls if a new deal cannot be worked out and a replacement for Mr Rockcliff be found. Meanwhile, it has emerged that the Spirit of Tasmania in Scotland isn't going anywhere soon. While Spirit IV was docked at Leith, its state-owned operator, TT-Line, searched for an someone to lease it until the port was completed in Tasmania. But negotiations collapsed in early March. The state government told TT-Line to bring Spirit IV back to Tasmania and it was due to depart on 26 May, before being delayed by poor weather. During that time, engineers found technical problems with the ship's liquefied natural gas systems. 'The government is awaiting further details in relation to a new expected departure date, but it is understood that this work will take some time,' the state's transport minister, Eric Abetz, said last week. READ MORE: Huge fiasco ship mothballed in Scotland at a cost of £23k a week 'Farcical': Newly-built ferry to be mothballed in Edinburgh 'for two years' When questioned about the delays in parliament, Abetz accused the Labor opposition of 'talking [the ferry] down all the time'. 'I say thank goodness for the weather, because she might have been well into the deep oceans and then suffer a mechanical issue, the full extent of which I am not appraised of,' Abetz said. 'We want to make sure the ship is safe and, even more importantly, the crew is safe. We will do whatever is necessary to ensure the protection of the crew.' However, the ship has become something of a tourist attraction in Edinburgh, despite its status as a national embarrassment Down Under. Ian Stirling, who founded a whisky distillery right next to where the Spirit of Tasmania is docked, told the Guardian his long-term nautical neighbour has delivered patrons, with a side of political drama.
The Advertiser
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Further drama for troubled new Bass Strait ferries
Two new Bass Strait ferries plagued by delivery delays and cost blowouts have hit further trouble, with technical issues identified on both ships. The Spirit of Tasmania vessels aren't expected to be in service until late 2026, years behind schedule because of a failure to build a berth for the ships. Spirit IV has been sitting in Scotland since December, while Spirit V is being put through sea trials by its Finnish-based shipbuilder. Technical issues on both ships in relation to their liquefied natural gas systems have been identified, the Tasmanian government said on Wednesday. The issue was discovered as part of Spirit V sea trials, Transport Minister Eric Abetz said. Spirit IV was due to leave Scotland for Hobart on Monday, to undergo its final fit-out, but it will now remain there indefinitely for further assessment and repairs. "The government is awaiting further details in relation to a new expected departure date (from Scotland)," Mr Abetz said. "It is understood that this work will take some time. The ship will be relocated to Hobart as soon as possible for final fit-out." Repair costs will be covered under warranty with shipbuilder RMC, Mr Abetz said. Delivery of the two larger vessels, which cost more than $900 million, has been dubbed one of the greatest infrastructure stuff-ups in Australia's history. The ships were due to be delivered to Tasmania in late 2024, but required berth upgrades at Devonport aren't expected to be finished until late 2026. Industry and tourism bodies keenly awaiting greater capacity of the new ships have lashed the government for their handling of the project. The saga forced Tasmania's deputy premier Michael Ferguson to relinquish his portfolios and prompted resignations at government businesses in charge of the ships. Projected costs for the Devonport berth in May rose from $375 million to $493 million, well beyond the initial $90 million estimate. Two new Bass Strait ferries plagued by delivery delays and cost blowouts have hit further trouble, with technical issues identified on both ships. The Spirit of Tasmania vessels aren't expected to be in service until late 2026, years behind schedule because of a failure to build a berth for the ships. Spirit IV has been sitting in Scotland since December, while Spirit V is being put through sea trials by its Finnish-based shipbuilder. Technical issues on both ships in relation to their liquefied natural gas systems have been identified, the Tasmanian government said on Wednesday. The issue was discovered as part of Spirit V sea trials, Transport Minister Eric Abetz said. Spirit IV was due to leave Scotland for Hobart on Monday, to undergo its final fit-out, but it will now remain there indefinitely for further assessment and repairs. "The government is awaiting further details in relation to a new expected departure date (from Scotland)," Mr Abetz said. "It is understood that this work will take some time. The ship will be relocated to Hobart as soon as possible for final fit-out." Repair costs will be covered under warranty with shipbuilder RMC, Mr Abetz said. Delivery of the two larger vessels, which cost more than $900 million, has been dubbed one of the greatest infrastructure stuff-ups in Australia's history. The ships were due to be delivered to Tasmania in late 2024, but required berth upgrades at Devonport aren't expected to be finished until late 2026. Industry and tourism bodies keenly awaiting greater capacity of the new ships have lashed the government for their handling of the project. The saga forced Tasmania's deputy premier Michael Ferguson to relinquish his portfolios and prompted resignations at government businesses in charge of the ships. Projected costs for the Devonport berth in May rose from $375 million to $493 million, well beyond the initial $90 million estimate. Two new Bass Strait ferries plagued by delivery delays and cost blowouts have hit further trouble, with technical issues identified on both ships. The Spirit of Tasmania vessels aren't expected to be in service until late 2026, years behind schedule because of a failure to build a berth for the ships. Spirit IV has been sitting in Scotland since December, while Spirit V is being put through sea trials by its Finnish-based shipbuilder. Technical issues on both ships in relation to their liquefied natural gas systems have been identified, the Tasmanian government said on Wednesday. The issue was discovered as part of Spirit V sea trials, Transport Minister Eric Abetz said. Spirit IV was due to leave Scotland for Hobart on Monday, to undergo its final fit-out, but it will now remain there indefinitely for further assessment and repairs. "The government is awaiting further details in relation to a new expected departure date (from Scotland)," Mr Abetz said. "It is understood that this work will take some time. The ship will be relocated to Hobart as soon as possible for final fit-out." Repair costs will be covered under warranty with shipbuilder RMC, Mr Abetz said. Delivery of the two larger vessels, which cost more than $900 million, has been dubbed one of the greatest infrastructure stuff-ups in Australia's history. The ships were due to be delivered to Tasmania in late 2024, but required berth upgrades at Devonport aren't expected to be finished until late 2026. Industry and tourism bodies keenly awaiting greater capacity of the new ships have lashed the government for their handling of the project. The saga forced Tasmania's deputy premier Michael Ferguson to relinquish his portfolios and prompted resignations at government businesses in charge of the ships. Projected costs for the Devonport berth in May rose from $375 million to $493 million, well beyond the initial $90 million estimate. Two new Bass Strait ferries plagued by delivery delays and cost blowouts have hit further trouble, with technical issues identified on both ships. The Spirit of Tasmania vessels aren't expected to be in service until late 2026, years behind schedule because of a failure to build a berth for the ships. Spirit IV has been sitting in Scotland since December, while Spirit V is being put through sea trials by its Finnish-based shipbuilder. Technical issues on both ships in relation to their liquefied natural gas systems have been identified, the Tasmanian government said on Wednesday. The issue was discovered as part of Spirit V sea trials, Transport Minister Eric Abetz said. Spirit IV was due to leave Scotland for Hobart on Monday, to undergo its final fit-out, but it will now remain there indefinitely for further assessment and repairs. "The government is awaiting further details in relation to a new expected departure date (from Scotland)," Mr Abetz said. "It is understood that this work will take some time. The ship will be relocated to Hobart as soon as possible for final fit-out." Repair costs will be covered under warranty with shipbuilder RMC, Mr Abetz said. Delivery of the two larger vessels, which cost more than $900 million, has been dubbed one of the greatest infrastructure stuff-ups in Australia's history. The ships were due to be delivered to Tasmania in late 2024, but required berth upgrades at Devonport aren't expected to be finished until late 2026. Industry and tourism bodies keenly awaiting greater capacity of the new ships have lashed the government for their handling of the project. The saga forced Tasmania's deputy premier Michael Ferguson to relinquish his portfolios and prompted resignations at government businesses in charge of the ships. Projected costs for the Devonport berth in May rose from $375 million to $493 million, well beyond the initial $90 million estimate.
Perth Now
28-05-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Further drama for troubled new Bass Strait ferries
Two new Bass Strait ferries plagued by delivery delays and cost blowouts have hit further trouble, with technical issues identified on both ships. The Spirit of Tasmania vessels aren't expected to be in service until late 2026, years behind schedule because of a failure to build a berth for the ships. Spirit IV has been sitting in Scotland since December, while Spirit V is being put through sea trials by its Finnish-based shipbuilder. Technical issues on both ships in relation to their liquefied natural gas systems have been identified, the Tasmanian government said on Wednesday. The issue was discovered as part of Spirit V sea trials, Transport Minister Eric Abetz said. Spirit IV was due to leave Scotland for Hobart on Monday, to undergo its final fit-out, but it will now remain there indefinitely for further assessment and repairs. "The government is awaiting further details in relation to a new expected departure date (from Scotland)," Mr Abetz said. "It is understood that this work will take some time. The ship will be relocated to Hobart as soon as possible for final fit-out." Repair costs will be covered under warranty with shipbuilder RMC, Mr Abetz said. Delivery of the two larger vessels, which cost more than $900 million, has been dubbed one of the greatest infrastructure stuff-ups in Australia's history. The ships were due to be delivered to Tasmania in late 2024, but required berth upgrades at Devonport aren't expected to be finished until late 2026. Industry and tourism bodies keenly awaiting greater capacity of the new ships have lashed the government for their handling of the project. The saga forced Tasmania's deputy premier Michael Ferguson to relinquish his portfolios and prompted resignations at government businesses in charge of the ships. Projected costs for the Devonport berth in May rose from $375 million to $493 million, well beyond the initial $90 million estimate.
The Advertiser
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Major industrial employer scales back amid tariffs
One of Australia's biggest industrial manufacturing employers has scaled back production, blaming global supply problems and US tariffs, with staff encouraged to take leave. Manganese alloy smelter Liberty Bell Bay, in Tasmania's north, announced on Monday it had no option but to enter a period of limited operations due to ongoing challenges with ore supply. AAP has been told there are no immediate forced redundancies planned, with the company asking employees to take available leave. The smelter, formerly known as TEMCO, is owned by international company GFG Alliance, owned by UK billionaire Sanjeev Gupta. In 2020, it employed about 250 workers when it was acquired from global mining and metals company South32. A Liberty Bell Bay spokesperson told AAP they were working through ore supply options. "Liberty Bell Bay lost its main ore supplier last year due to Tropical Cyclone Megan which caused extensive damage to South 32's GEMCO infrastructure, placing pressure on inventory and working capital," the spokesperson said. "Price volatility globally and the imposition of tariffs in the US have also impacted operations." Premier Jeremy Rockliff told ABC News scaled back operations would affect the majority of staff at the facility, including 40 contractors. Tasmanian Industry Minister Eric Abetz said the government was taking immediate action to support impacted workers, their families and the local community. "The Tasmanian government has been and will continue to maintain very close contact with Liberty Bell Bay and the broader GFG Alliance group as it works through this situation," Mr Abetz said. "We will respond accordingly with our focus on ensuring the well-being of the workers, suppliers, contractors and community impacted by this pause." This isn't the first Australian site where GFG Alliance has faced trouble. Production at the Whyalla Steelworks in South Australia was halted in January after suppliers ceased deliveries due to unpaid bills. The site, operated by OneSteel, a subsidiary of GFG Alliance, was placed into administration a month later, after the South Australian government fast-tracked legislation through parliament. Administrators found a total of $837.1 million is owed to unsecured creditors, including trade creditors, associated entities and prepaid sales, by OneSteel. Mr Abetz has informed the federal government of the development, saying the Tasmanian smelter was of "national strategic importance". "We are a strong supporter of Liberty Bell Bay and recognise it as a key employer and contributor to the Tasmanian economy, and we will continue to work closely with stakeholders through this period," he said. Liberty Bell Bay is a producer of ferro manganese and silicomanganese. It is the only commercial ferroalloy operation in Australia. One of Australia's biggest industrial manufacturing employers has scaled back production, blaming global supply problems and US tariffs, with staff encouraged to take leave. Manganese alloy smelter Liberty Bell Bay, in Tasmania's north, announced on Monday it had no option but to enter a period of limited operations due to ongoing challenges with ore supply. AAP has been told there are no immediate forced redundancies planned, with the company asking employees to take available leave. The smelter, formerly known as TEMCO, is owned by international company GFG Alliance, owned by UK billionaire Sanjeev Gupta. In 2020, it employed about 250 workers when it was acquired from global mining and metals company South32. A Liberty Bell Bay spokesperson told AAP they were working through ore supply options. "Liberty Bell Bay lost its main ore supplier last year due to Tropical Cyclone Megan which caused extensive damage to South 32's GEMCO infrastructure, placing pressure on inventory and working capital," the spokesperson said. "Price volatility globally and the imposition of tariffs in the US have also impacted operations." Premier Jeremy Rockliff told ABC News scaled back operations would affect the majority of staff at the facility, including 40 contractors. Tasmanian Industry Minister Eric Abetz said the government was taking immediate action to support impacted workers, their families and the local community. "The Tasmanian government has been and will continue to maintain very close contact with Liberty Bell Bay and the broader GFG Alliance group as it works through this situation," Mr Abetz said. "We will respond accordingly with our focus on ensuring the well-being of the workers, suppliers, contractors and community impacted by this pause." This isn't the first Australian site where GFG Alliance has faced trouble. Production at the Whyalla Steelworks in South Australia was halted in January after suppliers ceased deliveries due to unpaid bills. The site, operated by OneSteel, a subsidiary of GFG Alliance, was placed into administration a month later, after the South Australian government fast-tracked legislation through parliament. Administrators found a total of $837.1 million is owed to unsecured creditors, including trade creditors, associated entities and prepaid sales, by OneSteel. Mr Abetz has informed the federal government of the development, saying the Tasmanian smelter was of "national strategic importance". "We are a strong supporter of Liberty Bell Bay and recognise it as a key employer and contributor to the Tasmanian economy, and we will continue to work closely with stakeholders through this period," he said. Liberty Bell Bay is a producer of ferro manganese and silicomanganese. It is the only commercial ferroalloy operation in Australia. One of Australia's biggest industrial manufacturing employers has scaled back production, blaming global supply problems and US tariffs, with staff encouraged to take leave. Manganese alloy smelter Liberty Bell Bay, in Tasmania's north, announced on Monday it had no option but to enter a period of limited operations due to ongoing challenges with ore supply. AAP has been told there are no immediate forced redundancies planned, with the company asking employees to take available leave. The smelter, formerly known as TEMCO, is owned by international company GFG Alliance, owned by UK billionaire Sanjeev Gupta. In 2020, it employed about 250 workers when it was acquired from global mining and metals company South32. A Liberty Bell Bay spokesperson told AAP they were working through ore supply options. "Liberty Bell Bay lost its main ore supplier last year due to Tropical Cyclone Megan which caused extensive damage to South 32's GEMCO infrastructure, placing pressure on inventory and working capital," the spokesperson said. "Price volatility globally and the imposition of tariffs in the US have also impacted operations." Premier Jeremy Rockliff told ABC News scaled back operations would affect the majority of staff at the facility, including 40 contractors. Tasmanian Industry Minister Eric Abetz said the government was taking immediate action to support impacted workers, their families and the local community. "The Tasmanian government has been and will continue to maintain very close contact with Liberty Bell Bay and the broader GFG Alliance group as it works through this situation," Mr Abetz said. "We will respond accordingly with our focus on ensuring the well-being of the workers, suppliers, contractors and community impacted by this pause." This isn't the first Australian site where GFG Alliance has faced trouble. Production at the Whyalla Steelworks in South Australia was halted in January after suppliers ceased deliveries due to unpaid bills. The site, operated by OneSteel, a subsidiary of GFG Alliance, was placed into administration a month later, after the South Australian government fast-tracked legislation through parliament. Administrators found a total of $837.1 million is owed to unsecured creditors, including trade creditors, associated entities and prepaid sales, by OneSteel. Mr Abetz has informed the federal government of the development, saying the Tasmanian smelter was of "national strategic importance". "We are a strong supporter of Liberty Bell Bay and recognise it as a key employer and contributor to the Tasmanian economy, and we will continue to work closely with stakeholders through this period," he said. Liberty Bell Bay is a producer of ferro manganese and silicomanganese. It is the only commercial ferroalloy operation in Australia. One of Australia's biggest industrial manufacturing employers has scaled back production, blaming global supply problems and US tariffs, with staff encouraged to take leave. Manganese alloy smelter Liberty Bell Bay, in Tasmania's north, announced on Monday it had no option but to enter a period of limited operations due to ongoing challenges with ore supply. AAP has been told there are no immediate forced redundancies planned, with the company asking employees to take available leave. The smelter, formerly known as TEMCO, is owned by international company GFG Alliance, owned by UK billionaire Sanjeev Gupta. In 2020, it employed about 250 workers when it was acquired from global mining and metals company South32. A Liberty Bell Bay spokesperson told AAP they were working through ore supply options. "Liberty Bell Bay lost its main ore supplier last year due to Tropical Cyclone Megan which caused extensive damage to South 32's GEMCO infrastructure, placing pressure on inventory and working capital," the spokesperson said. "Price volatility globally and the imposition of tariffs in the US have also impacted operations." Premier Jeremy Rockliff told ABC News scaled back operations would affect the majority of staff at the facility, including 40 contractors. Tasmanian Industry Minister Eric Abetz said the government was taking immediate action to support impacted workers, their families and the local community. "The Tasmanian government has been and will continue to maintain very close contact with Liberty Bell Bay and the broader GFG Alliance group as it works through this situation," Mr Abetz said. "We will respond accordingly with our focus on ensuring the well-being of the workers, suppliers, contractors and community impacted by this pause." This isn't the first Australian site where GFG Alliance has faced trouble. Production at the Whyalla Steelworks in South Australia was halted in January after suppliers ceased deliveries due to unpaid bills. The site, operated by OneSteel, a subsidiary of GFG Alliance, was placed into administration a month later, after the South Australian government fast-tracked legislation through parliament. Administrators found a total of $837.1 million is owed to unsecured creditors, including trade creditors, associated entities and prepaid sales, by OneSteel. Mr Abetz has informed the federal government of the development, saying the Tasmanian smelter was of "national strategic importance". "We are a strong supporter of Liberty Bell Bay and recognise it as a key employer and contributor to the Tasmanian economy, and we will continue to work closely with stakeholders through this period," he said. Liberty Bell Bay is a producer of ferro manganese and silicomanganese. It is the only commercial ferroalloy operation in Australia.
