Leader of the Opposition – Lia Finocchiaro
Today Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said the Fyles Government needs to stop re-announcing projects and start building them, saying the NT is missing out on investment with these constant delays and phony milestones.
“This CLP Ship Lift is vital for the future of defence and growing our marine repairs and maintenance capability and despite being handed the opportunity to deliver this project, Labor for 7 years have squandered it.
“This project started off at a cost of $100m, now it’s blown out to over $515million with not one shovel in the ground.”
“This isn’t the Government’s money it’s Territorians, and they deserve to know why they keep paying for nothing more than 37 expensive press releases and photo opportunities.
“Astonishingly, late last year when the CLP referred the Ship Lift spend to the Public Accounts Committee so proper scrutiny could be applied, the Chief Minister publically said the committee would not review the project, completely ignoring the fact that the PAC is meant to act independently without interference.
“For a project that was meant to be operational by the end of 2022 the time for scrutiny is well overdue, it’s time for Natasha Fyles to come clean.
“Today’s announcement raises many questions. This is the third announcement on scoping studies for the project.”
“The opportunity cost of these delays to Territory jobs is huge and with HMAS Coonawarra shutting down its ship lift in 23/24, and Cairns expecting to start construction on their ship lift this year, Labor can’t leave the Territory unable to deliver maritime repairs and maintenance.
“Under Labor, the Territory is now in a technical recession so the need for construction couldn’t be more vital and it’s only the CLP who will be able to bring back the certainty investors need to get projects like the Ship Lift done.
“Only the CLP will rebuild the Territory’s reputation and economy.” Said Mrs Finocchiaro.
ENDS.