The Tasmanian Government is extremely disappointed by the Federal Government’s decision to hand over the HMAS Tobruk to Queensland.
This was not a level playing field with Tasmania the only state that has not been given a former ship for scuttling as a dive wreck.
It was unfair of the Commonwealth to ever expect Tasmania to pay $10 million for the Tobruk given this had not been required of other states.
As responsible financial managers the Tasmanian Liberal Government could not contemplate such a big hit to our budget bottom line – it would have meant less money for health, education and other essential services.
Tasmania had a strong case so it is bitterly disappointing it has fallen on deaf ears.