Liberal mismanagement leaves room for uncertainty to grow

Today’s release of the draft Statement of Expectations for data centres and AI infrastructure is the perfect example of why Tasmanians are rapidly losing trust in the Liberal Government’s ability to manage Tasmania’s energy network and the economy.

Instead of providing the clarity and accountability Tasmanians have been asking for like other state governments have done, the Liberals’ statement was light on detail and filled with motherhood statements.

It was telling that the Government waited to release the draft expectations until after the Energy Minister had spoken to media about an entirely unrelated topic, so he didn’t have to field any questions.

Tasmanian Labor supports innovation, investment, new industries and jobs – but most of all we support what’s best for Tasmania as a state.

Tasmanian Labor remains open minded when it comes to AI infrastructure, but with leadership like we’ve seen from the Liberals on this issue it is little wonder community uncertainty is continuing to grow.

Tasmania’s renewable energy belongs to Tasmanians. Before any major project gets access to it, Tasmanians deserve to know what jobs, on island investment and long-term benefits our state is getting in return, and how our premium Tasmanian energy resources, large energy users and retail, household and small business power bills will be affected. 

The Government needs to do a much better job taking Tasmanians through their decision-making process and clearly explaining how each project stacks up, and how Tasmania will get a return that supports jobs, both traditional  and new industries, families, communities and our overall state economy.