By failing to oppose it, Jeremy Rockliff has effectively endorsed Peter Dutton’s plan to scrap Hydrogen Production Tax Credits.

The Federal Opposition Leader’s reckless plan will cause the immediate cancellation of ABEL Energy’s project in Bell Bay and cost Tasmania more than 500 ongoing new jobs, 1,500 construction jobs and $4 billion of economic benefit.

ABEL Energy have written to Mr Dutton to plead for an exemption for their project to his planned cuts. They’ve tried to get Bridget Archer and Susie Bower to intervene – a move that’s fallen on deaf ears.

The Premier has today confirmed he’s just as bad – saying that he supports Peter Dutton’s plan for Australia.

But what the Premier should be worried about is Tasmania. If the Premier really wants to say he’s standing up for our state, he needs to pick up the phone to Peter Dutton and tell him how his reckless plan will damage the state’s economy.

ABEL is the only Hydrogen Action Plan proponent left at Bell Bay after Woodside, FFI and Origin all left citing the Tasmanian energy crisis. Losing ABEL would be a disaster.

Dean Winter MP
Labor Leader