The WA Ports Minister says his government is open to discussions with the federal government over the future of the Australian Antarctic Program.
The RSV Nuyina currently uses Hobart as its home port, but federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek last week said the dispute hadIn a leaked letter sent to Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff, Ms Plibersek raised concerns about the "exorbitant cost" of redeveloping aging facilities at Macquarie Wharf 6, where the ship docks.
Today, WA Ports Minister David Michael said he would be open to discussions with the federal government if the Commonwealth were to consider changes to current operations. The Commonwealth recently signed a long-term lease keep the Australian Antarctic Division located at its headquarters in Kingston, south of Hobart.
Mr Rockliff said TasPorts was continuing to work with the federal government to redevelop the wharf on "reasonable, commercial terms that is in Tasmania's best interests".The Antarctic program employs around 1,000 people in Tasmania and is estimated to boost the state's economy by about $180 million per year.