The Premier has been forced to admit the energy hardship bailout scheme he announced on Tuesday-which was only necessary because of his broken promise to cap power prices -will do nothing to help businesses currently in the process of re-contracting.
The Liberal Government’s energy hardship scheme announced on Tuesday will not be available to any business whose contract is due for negotiation after 5pm on the 28 of February, 2023.
It opened and closed on the same day, without any guidelines.
When asked in Parliament today the Energy Minister Guy Barnett could not explain the guidelines or eligibility criteria for his $20,000 hardship bailout scheme.
Business owners will be picking up the phone to access this grant, only to find there’s no guidelines and it’s already closed.
Rebecca White, by contrast, yesterday announced Labor’s plan to ensure all Tasmanian businesses only pay Tasmanian prices for Tasmanian power by re-instituting a rebate scheme for contracted customers.
Not only will this provide assistance to all who need it, it will also draw on 100 years of investment in the Hydro to give Tasmanian businesses an edge over mainland competitors currently facing high prices and ongoing energy price uncertainty.
Dean Winter MP
Shadow Minister for Energy
