The Premier and Energy Minister won’t say if they support a clean energy target
Guy Barnett fails to provide any update on gas contracts
Tasmanian businesses deserve leadership on energy from their government
The lack of leadership on critical energy issues from the Liberal Government is deeply concerning.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said Premier Will Hodgman and Energy Minister Guy Barnett have gone missing at a crucial time for energy policy, with national policy in turmoil, Basslink for sale, and gas contracts unresolved.
“The Premier and Minister cannot answer simple but critical questions,” Ms White said.
“For two days now the Government has failed to clarify if it still supports a clean energy target, which would underpin further investment in renewables in Tasmania.
“A clean energy target would provide renewable energy investment certainty for our state.
“And the Energy Minister failed to give up an update on the gas contract crisis that could result in job losses and even closures of Tasmanian businesses.
“The Government’s own Energy Security Taskforce ruled that the contracts should have been worked out by March this year and finalised by June.
“It’s now the end of October and the best the Minister can offer is a weak encouragement for Hydro and the Tasmanian Gas Pipeline to negotiate in good faith.
“It’s obvious the relationship between the two businesses has broken down. What is the Minister doing to guarantee the contract will be in place by the end of the year?”
Rebecca White MP Labor Leader
