Marinus going nowhere with Barnett’s continued inaction

Tasmanian Labor
  • Energy Minister is not talking to his Victorian counterparts on crucial project
  • Billions in investment and thousands of jobs at risk
  • Liberals not providing certainty on Marinus
  • Energy Minister Guy Barnett has not met with or spoken to the Victorian Government about progress of the critical Marinus Link project as he continues on his unacceptable path of inaction.

    Shadow Treasurer and Energy Minister David O’Byrne said while the position of the Victorian Government was crucial as to whether Marinus goes ahead – and to Tasmanians avoiding paying higher electricity prices – Mr Barnett had today confirmed he had not spoken to them.

    “Victoria’s position is vital,” Mr O’Byrne said.

    “While national discussions are taking place, the Energy Minister today had multiple opportunities before Government Business Enterprise scrutiny hearings to outline his efforts in working with Victoria to find a resolution.

    “It’s clear that he was unable to identify a single time he’d spoken with the Victorian Government outside of national meetings and that’s not good enough.

    “It’s goes to show – yet again – the culture of the Liberal Government.

    “Along with his colleagues, Mr Barnett is very good on the spin but he’s a complete failure at delivery.

    “He has to at least pick up the phone and try to work with them.

    “Without their approval on Marinus we have no resolution on who pays for the project to go ahead.

    “For Tasmania to become the battery of the nation and for Marinus Link to reach its full potential requires a genuine commitment and we are not seeing that from the Energy Minister.

    “Without a genuine commitment, billions in investments and thousands of promised jobs are at risk.

    “Mr Barnett needs to stop the inaction and get on with the job of delivering for Tasmanians households and businesses and the benefit of the entire country.”

    David O’Byrne

    Shadow Minister for Energy

    /Public Release. View in full here.