In the two years since it was introduced, Tasmanian households and small and medium sized businesses have paid out around $100 million in higher electricity prices – all on carbon-free energy.
The Liberals have long argued the carbon tax is an unfair burden on Tasmanians who use carbon-free energy generated by hydro dams and wind farms.
It is the expected removal of the carbon tax which will see electricity prices drop by 7.8 per cent from July 1 2014.
It’s important to note Labor and the Greens support the carbon tax and if it isn’t repealed, power prices will go back up.
Bryan Green needs to be upfront with Tasmanians. Does he support power price relief for Tasmanian households and small business or does he support the carbon tax?
Let’s not forget that under Labor, power prices in Tasmania rose 75 per cent in 6 years.
Unlike the previous Government, the Liberals are committed to delivering the most competitive energy prices in the country and making double digit power price increases year on year a thing of the past.
The removal of the carbon tax is an important first step but we are committed to doing more.
Last week I spoke at the National Energy Consumer Roundtable meeting in Hobart, made up of a wide range of community sector organisations who work with some of the most disadvantaged in the community.
One of their main concerns was spiralling electricity costs which drive up the cost of living and doing business.
We will work with all stakeholders to deliver better prices which will drive down the cost of living and doing business, which will in turn make Tasmania more attractive for investment and grow jobs.
Matthew Groom, Minister for Energy
