The Liberal Government’s energy strategy is a bitter disappointment.
Labor Leader Bryan Green said the document released today is full of motherhood statements but extremely light on decisions.
“This is an expensive exercise in stating the obvious,” Mr Green said.
“All we have got is another glossy brochure from a government that’s developed a reputation for putting off tough decisions.
“Compared to the serious energy reforms undertaken by the previous government, this strategy completely lacks grunt.
“Labor was prepared to engage in real reform that resulted in one-off costs and political pain at the time but is now delivering lower energy prices for consumers and reduced operating costs for our State-owned electricity businesses.
“It is now incumbent on Mr Groom not to squander the reforming achievements of the past but to build on them for the future.
“In opposition the Liberals promised to “make the case” for a second Basslink cable, now they’re only committing to ”identify the necessary pre-conditions for a second electricity interconnector across Bass Strait to be viable”.
“Anyone expecting a bold vision from this energy strategy will be deeply disappointed.
“After more than a year in government the Liberals are further away from making a decision than when they were in opposition.
Mr Green expressed concern that the strategy could herald job losses in both Hydro Tasmania and TasNetworks.
“When the report talks about ‘finding efficiencies’ that is code for cutting jobs.
“The only thing this government is good at is sacking workers.
“This government is bleeding our GBEs dry to prop up their budget bottom line and to band-aid over their broken promises
“The Liberals have ratcheted up GBE dividends to 90c in the dollar, they are loading up TasNetworks with debt to subsidise Forestry Tasmania and now Hydro Tasmania is expected to deliver $75 million to the Government coffers in 2017 without making a profit.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader
