Renewable energy has been the centrepiece of the state’s economic strategy for 100 years, but after 10 years of the Liberals a lack of power is putting a handbrake on our economy.

Yesterday, it was revealed Norske Skog has been told Hydro “do not have any spare capacity” to support a new project, while the government has told businesses they “simply do not have enough generation to meet demand”.

They’ve told these industrials to build or access their own energy sources, or import energy from the mainland if they want to grow their business and create new jobs.

This really is the definition of a crisis - not just for these businesses but the future economic prospects of Tasmania.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff and his government have effectively turned Hydro into a power trading company instead of providing Tasmanian households and businesses with clean, cheap energy.

Instead of supporting growth in the economy it is now being use to prop up the Liberals’ broken budget, effectively ripping up 100 years of history and economic policy.

Dean Winter MP  
Shadow Minister for Energy and Renewables