Matthew Groom avoids questions on Bell Bay jobs

• Energy Minister refuses to answer crucial questions
• Major industrials hit hard by energy crisis
• Matthew Groom avoiding all responsibility
• Has the Coordinator General picked up the phone?

Energy Minister Matthew Groom has again dodged questions over the future of jobs at Bell Bay Aluminium and his role in the energy crisis.

Labor Leader Bryan Green said the Minister remains in a constant state of denial.

“Matthew Groom refuses to take any responsibility for the critical mistakes he made in the lead-up to Tasmania’s energy crisis,” Mr Green said.

“The Minister will not even acknowledge legitimate criticisms contained in an independent report into the crisis by Goanna Energy.

“Tasmania needs a pragmatic, hard-working Minister for Energy, not someone who is obsessed with blaming others and abandoning responsibility.

“The Minister has again failed to answer questions over the future of jobs at Bell Bay Aluminium, just a year after he trumpeted expansion plans at the smelter.

“Has the Coordinator General been in contact with Bell Bay to discuss the situation post the energy crisis?

“Has the Minister been informed that job losses are on the cards?

“Bell Bay took a massive hit during the energy crisis after the business was not even consulted over the sale of the Tamar Valley Power Station.

“It’s time the Minister was upfront with Tasmanians about the future of one of Tasmania’s largest employers.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader