The Tasmanian Liberal Government remains unequivocal in our support for retaining the Renewable Energy Target (RET) Scheme.
Over the past 24 hours I have been in Canberra for meetings with the Environment Minister Greg Hunt and other Ministers to argue Tasmania’s case.
I have strongly argued that Tasmania’s existing investments in renewable energy must be protected. I have also made the special case for Tasmania’s trade exposed major industrials.
Minister Hunt certainly understands our position and the critical role that renewable energy plays in our economy.
Minister Hunt has made it clear that while the Commonwealth Government has received the Warburton report no final decision has yet been made.
That’s why I have made the effort to fly to Canberra and speak to Minister Hunt in person to again push our case.
There had been talk from Canberra last month that the RET Scheme may be abolished. I have made our views on that scenario clear and I don’t believe the Commonwealth Government is likely to pursue this option now.
I have strongly encouraged the Commonwealth to engage with all stakeholders to secure an outcome that protects existing investments and that also provides the certainty needed to support future investment.
Matthew Groom, Minister for Energy
