Energy Minister Guy Barnett and Tasmania’s Liberal Senators need to wake up and defend the state’s interests as Scott Morrison backs coal over Tasmania’s renewable energy.
The Prime Minister announced yesterday that he will use taxpayer money to fund coal after pressure from LNP politicians in Queensland.
Shadow Energy Minister David O’Byrne said the Federal Liberals were undermining the business case for Tasmania’s pumped hydro project and the potential for a second interconnector.
“Federal Energy Minister Angus Taylor put this firmly on the agenda when he appeared on *, where he confirmed the Morrison Government would underwrite more coal projects,” Mr O’Byrne said.
“We welcome investment in renewable energy for Tasmania but the Liberals do not seem to understand that whenever they underwrite coal power they undermine the case for a second Basslink.
“The Tasmanian Liberals have form when it comes to going missing when their federal mates pull rank.
“We’ve seen it on cuts to hospitals and schools, on our share of the GST, on federal housing funding and, time after time, on energy.
“What has Guy Barnett done since Angus Taylor’s comments on Insiders to fight for Tasmania’s interests?
“What have Eric Abetz and Jonno Duniam done to lobby their federal colleagues to stand down?
“Guy Barnett and his Liberal Senate colleagues either have no sway in Canberra or they are not doing their job.
“Jobs and the Tasmanian economy are at stake and we are hearing precious little from the Liberals to defend our renewable energy industry.”
David O’Byrne MP
Shadow Energy Minister
