Jobs are the Hodgman Liberal Government’s number 1 priority which is why we insisted that Tasmanian companies share in the $31.5 million refurbishment of the Spirit of Tasmania vessels.
The first major contract, worth $2 million, has been awarded to Fairbrother Joinery while several other contracts for sheet metal, glass, veneers and decorative doors have been won by firms on the Coast and in Launceston.
We have actively encouraged local businesses to tender for these contracts and we are delighted that the ``turnkey contractor’’ for the refurbishment, Trimline, has shared our enthusiasm for using Tasmanian expertise.
The Liberal Government implemented a Buy Local Campaign and a Local Benefits Test to ensure that as many local companies as possible were able to share in these types of contracts and grow the Tasmanian economy.
The refurbishment of the Spirit of Tasmania vessels in Devonport is another great example of a state-of-the-art modernisation contract bringing jobs and investment to Tasmania and also growing the skills base for future work.
The refurbishment of the ``Spirits’’ is also vital for our booming tourism industry and making the Bass Strait experience more enjoyable and contemporary as we push towards 1.5 million visitors by 2020.
More Media Releases from the Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Trade