Groom’s political attack directly undermines Hydro

 Matthew Groom again attacks Hydro over energy trading
 Minister fails to listen to Hydro’s CEO in GBE hearings
 Government’s response to energy security report is pathetic

Matthew Groom’s response to the interim report is as pathetic as it is embarrassing.

“Tasmanians have been waiting more than six months for this critical report on energy security and the best the Energy Minister can manage in response is a weak political attack,” Labor Leader Bryan Green said.

“My credibility on energy is well and truly intact.

“It is not me who gave approval to sell the Tamar Valley Power Station in the middle of a drought against Treasury advice.

“It is not me who continues to undermine the confidence of our major industrials by delaying a decision on gas contracts.

“What’s worse, we have a situation where the Energy Minister has directly contradicted the CEO of Hydro Tasmania.

“The Minister has again attacked Hydro Tasmania for its trading activities during the carbon price period.”

That is despite Stephen Davy telling the Government Business Enterprise scrutiny hearing this month: “I do not think the building up of our storages for the carbon price period and using the water and storage was the precursor.”

When asked if trading during the carbon tax period contributed to the energy crisis, Mr Davy said: “I do not see how it could have.”

“Even though Matthew Groom sat next to Stephen Davy and heard his contribution to the hearing, he still continues to undermine him publicly,” Mr Green said.

“Matthew Groom’s incessant politicisation is just a cover for his own ineptitude and anyone who knows anything about the energy portfolio would agree.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader