Jeremy Rockliff’s privatisation agenda is becoming more obvious by the day, with TasNetworks releasing a proposal to move to a single delivery partner model with joint ownership and investment.

On Sunday, the Premier announced his government would actively investigate the privatisation of some GBEs – but it seems he’d already started behind everyone’s back.

Make no mistake, TasNetworks’ proposal looks like a plan for privatisation by stealth, and a plan to put a critical essential public service at arm’s length.

Privatisation often ends in increased user costs, decreased services, and eroded assets – which all Tasmanians would agree is something we can’t afford right now.

It’s also yet another example of Tassie’s GBEs not putting our Tasmanian economy first.

Tasmania’s energy network is too important for Jeremy Rockliff to play games with. The proposed move would impact skilled Tasmanian workers at TasNetworks, and across our many small and medium businesses.

The Spirits debacle made it clear that we need more accountability from our GBEs, not less. The Liberals monumentally stuffed up the Spirits project, but privatising our GBEs is not the solution.

We call on the Premier to intervene and ensure there is a full, frank and open consultation before any changes are implemented.

Janie Finlay MP
Shadow Minister for Energy & Renewables