• Liberals have no coherent policy and refuse to outline risks to state
• What impact will de-linking from NEM have on GBEs, MIs and households?
• Barnett risks energy businesses’ future while Gutwein continues to rip out dividends
Energy Minister Guy Barnett risks zombie-walking Tasmania’s profitable energy businesses into oblivion with his approach to energy policy.
Shadow Energy Minister David O’Byrne said Minister Barnett evaded questioning on the financial impact of de-linking from the National Energy Market on Tasmania’s energy GBEs, major industrials and customers.
“The Liberals are walking blind into Tasmania’s energy future with no coherent policy and they refuse to outline the potential risks and impacts to Tasmania,” Mr O’Byrne said.
“Serious questions have to be asked about Guy Barnett’s ability to run the crucial energy portfolio.
“Guy Barnett was unable to answer highly important questions about the impact of delinking from the NEM and its impact on revenues for Tasmania’s energy businesses – particularly Hydro Tasmania.
“How will the change impact major industrials? What about households?
“As Treasurer Gutwein continues to rip dividends out at a record rate from our energy businesses, Guy Barnett risks setting them up to fail with his narrow approach, based around a couple of catchphrases he uses when he can’t explain an issue.
“Guy Barnett’s policy will give him the power to set prices – yet he’s so poorly across the energy portfolio that he can’t answer simple questions.
“That is alarming news for Tasmanian energy users – where will Tasmania’s energy market be in 10 years if Guy Barnett stays at the controls?
“The primary question for Guy Barnett is: Does he know what impact delinking from the NEM will have on Tasmania’s energy businesses, major industrials and households?”
David O’Byrne MP Shadow Minister for Energy
