A Hodgman Liberal Government will act decisively to protect marine police officers lives and occupational safety by disposing of the hapless PV Fortescue, which has been condemned in a secret report by an expert marine engineer and consultant.

In a damning report on the vessel’s capability by an expert person recommended by the Australian Maritime College, the vessel has been condemned as ‘unsuitable’ as an offshore patrol vessel except in sheltered waters, requiring extra care and attention due to its lack of fitness-for-purpose, and to be disposed of after a ‘shortish, finite life’.

The vessel’s use in ocean-going patrol or search and rescue duties will need to be limited by the crew’s ‘bravery’, having regard to the sea conditions and the duration of the journey, due to noise and vibration issues.

We will place the vessel on the international used vessel market and, after it is sold and until a new vessel can be purchased or built, Tasmania Police will contract with appropriate vessels from the State’s commercial fishing fleet to fulfill urgent ocean-going duties.

In spite of its limitations in Tasmanian waters, the vessel may well find a suitable home in more sheltered waters such as the Barrier Reef or Pacific Islands.

Three years of appalling Ministerial oversight of administrative arrangements related to the conception, design, construction and commissioning of the vessel can only be put to an end by a majority Hodgman Liberal Government.

The PV Fortescue has become a national embarrassment and emblematic of Bartlett Labor’s shoddy government practices.

Only a majority Hodgman Liberal Government will provide the real change necessary to protect marine police officers.

** Hard copies of the Muir Report are available on request.

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