A re-elected majority Liberal Government would tear up and rewrite Hydro’s existing Ministerial Charter to make it a “true economic enabler” for Tasmania.
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“Under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, a re-elected majority Rockliff Liberal Government will once again make hydro a true economic enabler for our state,” Premier Jeremy Rockliff said.
“Today we have announced a supercharged Hydro Renewable Energy Dividend to deliver $250 to every Tasmanian and $300 to around 35,000 small businesses.
“As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future I’m also announcing that my government will take the next step to securing Tasmanian energy prices and Tasmanian jobs.
“We will tear-up the existing Labor-Green Hydro Charter that prioritises energy export, and instead issue a new directive that firmly puts Tasmanian prices and Tasmanian jobs first, ahead of exporting energy to Victoria.
“Over the past century, Hydro has been the cornerstone of Tasmania’s economic strength, driving the economy, investment and jobs.
“But, in recent years Hydro has drifted from its foundational principles with the emergence of the National Electricity Market, Basslink and the growth of decarbonisation.
“Under our new charter, Hydro will return to its rightful place as a Tasmanian economic Powerhouse with Tasmania First foundational principles.”
Hydro’s current charter was implemented by the Labor-Green Government in 2012, and states: 2.1 Principal Purpose: The principal purpose of Hydro Tasmania is to efficiently generate, trade and sell electricity in the National Electricity Market.
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A re-elected majority Liberal Government will tear up this Charter and replace it with:
2.1 Principal Purpose: The principal purpose of Hydro Tasmania is to provide the lowest possible power prices for Tasmanians; and to enable economic growth and job creation in Tasmania.
