The great Groom backflip

 Energy Minister dramatically changes position on power station
 From “redundant liability” to important for energy security
 Matthew Groom must admit power station should have been run during drought

15 months after bragging about selling the Tamar Valley Power Station, Energy Minister Matthew Groom has finally taken on Labor’s advice to keep it.

Labor Leader Bryan Green said it’s one of the greatest policy backflips in Tasmanian political history.

“Matthew Groom has gone from denigrating the power station to championing it,” Mr Green said.

“It’s a welcome but embarrassing backdown from the Energy Minister.

“15 months ago the Minister was bragging about selling the power station and ridding Tasmania of a “redundant liability””

Matthew Groom’s August 2015 press release said: “The Government has today given approval for Hydro Tasmania to decommission and sell the combined cycle gas turbine. This will allow Hydro to rid itself of a redundant liability and reduce its debt.” (Matthew Groom, August 12 2015)

The following day, Labor called out the Government for its reckless approach to energy security.

“The Tamar Valley Power Station is Tasmania’s insurance policy against severe drought.

“The Government needs to demonstrate that selling the gas turbine will not put us at risk of blackouts and brownouts.

“A severe drought would have dire consequences for Tasmania’s energy users.

“We need to make sure the sale won’t jeopardise our energy security into the future.

“It’s fine when water levels are at sustainable levels but you’re flirting with danger if you think drought won’t strike.” (Bryan Green, August 13, 2015)

Labor’s stance was consistent with Treasury advice which warned against the sale.

“Given the significant negative impact on the Tasmanian economy of electricity rationing, it is desirable to retain this additional level of security.” (Strategic Assessment of the Tamar Valley Power Station, February 2013)

Even as the energy crisis deepened, the Minister was still running down the power station, describing its purchase as ‘‘the worst decision in the history of energy policy”. (Examiner Newspaper, December 10, 2015)

Now the Minister has seen the light: “What’s important is that we have the station to support energy security,” (Matthew Groom, ABC News, 21 November 2016)

“Matthew Groom really has been made look foolish by this whole saga,” Mr Green said.

“By conceding the power station is needed, the Minister is admitting it should have been running in the latter part of 2015.

“Shutting down the state’s energy security insurance policy in the middle of the drought cost Tasmania dearly.

“The decision to decommission and sell the power station has cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars and put businesses at severe risk.

“The Minister must take ultimate responsibility for his failings.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader