Groom’s gas failure puts hundreds of jobs at risk

 No certainty for major industrials as Matthew Groom fails to secure gas contracts
 Massive price increases would put hundreds of jobs at risk
 How has the Minister allowed things to get to this stage?

Hundreds of jobs in Tasmania are on the line as a result of Energy Minister Matthew Groom’s incompetence and failure to lock in gas contracts.

Shadow Energy Minister Scott Bacon said major industrials are staring at increases up to 95%.

“Jobs are on the line if this issue isn’t resolved,” Mr Bacon said.

“Our biggest employers like Bell Bay Aluminium and TEMCO will be hit hardest by massive price increases as a result of Matthew Groom’s incompetence.

“We are talking about hundreds of jobs at risk.

“The Minister’s vague assurance that everything will be fine is not good enough.

“We are talking about Tasmania’s largest employers. They deserve certainty.

“The head of the Minerals and Energy Council has warned jobs could be put at risk.”

“Ultimately, it could [be the case as] an increase in risk for a business puts jobs and investment decisions, and capital decisions and expansion decisions — and all of those things — at risk,” (Wayne Bould – Minerals & Energy Council – ABC 5/7/17)

“The Government’s own Energy Security Taskforce recommended the deal be finalised by the end of March and in place by now,” Mr Bacon said.

“How has Matthew Groom allowed the situation to drag on this long?

“These negotiations have been going on for the last three years. The Minister’s lack of leadership is obvious.

“Labor strongly urges the Minister to provide certainty to Tasmania’s major industrials.”
Scott Bacon MP Shadow Minister for Energy