The release of a recent report, The RET’s effect on Tasmania, reveals the state’s economy benefits from the Renewable Energy Target to the tune of more than $100 million each year, exposing as sheer self-interest claims from some large industrials that the RET costs, Greens Leader and Energy spokesperson Kim Booth MP said today.
“The Greens are calling for the Premier, Will Hodgman, to lead a tripartite delegation to Canberra to lobby for the retention of the RET,” Mr Booth said.
“Additional to the annual financial benefit of over $100 million as estimated by this latest report, the RET also stimulates local job creation and investment.”
“Unfortunately, there appears to be a rear-guard action based upon self interest by a few large industrials, who are actively campaigning against the RET and the modest liability they incur.”
“The current national discussion on the RET must scrutinise carefully any claims by those vested interests of industry, and put them squarely in context of the broader benefit to Tasmania.”
“This is where the Premier needs to step in. He must resist being seduced by the big-end of town, and their attempts to avoid paying their way, and instead put the interests of Tasmania and our renewable energy future first.”
“Currently Tasmania is the second largest state producer of large-scale generation certificates, producing 21 per cent of the nation’s total in 2013, just behind South Australia which produced 23 per cent.”
“We cannot afford to lose this advantage, or the estimated annual $100 million benefit derived by the RET. The Premier must show leadership, forge a tri-partite approach to take to Canberra and demand an unequivocal guarantee from the Commonwealth that the RET will be retained,” Mr Booth said.