Groom playing risky game with Basslink

 Risky strategy to not pay Basslink facility fee
 Energy security must be guaranteed for major industry
 Groom’s been burnt before playing games with energy security

Energy Minister Matthew Groom is playing a risky game of cat and mouse with Basslink by refusing to pay for the use of the cable.

Labor Leader Bryan Green said it’s a potentially dangerous strategy.

“As we saw during the energy crisis, Tasmania relies heavily on the Basslink cable for energy security,” Mr Green said.

“While the dams are healthy now, the Government is playing a risky game by refusing to pay Basslink for the use of the cable.

“Is Matthew Groom deliberately trying to starve Basslink to allow Hydro to take over the running of the link?

“If that’s the Government’s plan, it needs to be upfront with Tasmanians, especially our major industrial businesses.

“The secrecy around this issue must end – if the Government has a theory on what caused the cable fault they should be upfront with Tasmanians.

“It’s a game of cat and mouse that Matthew Groom can’t afford to lose.

“We’ve already seen this Minister cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars in pursuit of a dividend from Hydro.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader