Labor failing on renewable energy

Denison Liberal Candidate, Matthew Groom has urged the Federal government to expedite the provision of detail in relation to its proposed Renewable Energy Target reforms.

"Todays announcement by the Federal Government in relation to proposed changes to the RET was seriously underwhelming and continues to show a shocking disregard for the vulnerability of the Musselroe Wind Farm Project."

Government and industry have known for some time that the only practical solution to this issue was some form of separation in the small and large scale renewable markets. In this context today's announcement doesn't really add much in the way of detail. The government appears to be committed to a further consultation process before this issue is finally addressed. The government has known about this issue since at least october of last year - why has it been necessary to wait this long for the announcement of a "consultation process"?

Today's announcement is effectively an announcement of yet further delay in dealing with the RET issue. Both State and Federal Labor appear to have no understanding of the potential impact this ongoing delay can have for the Musselroe Wind Farm Project. The business case for the project is vulnerable to movement in interest rates, turbine supply prices and contractor availability. We have now entered a period of upward interest rate pressure - any further movement in interest rates could have a material impact on the business case for the project. The project cannot afford further delay. The government needs to show greater urgency in addressing this issue. Tasmanian jobs are at risk here.

Premier David Bartlett should join with the Tasmanian Liberals and demand that the Federal government set down a specific and expedited timetable for legislating in response to this issue. The Tasmanian Labor Party needs to find some backbone on this issue. The Premier needs to realise there are Tasmanian jobs at risk here. We should be united in our condemnation of the Federal government inaction on this issue.