Tasmanian Election 2024: Liberals vow to ‘tear up’ Hydro’s Ministerial Charter

The Liberals have pledged to rewrite the Hydro’s terms of operating to deliver more for ordinary Tasmanians. Details >>

Energy and Renewables Minister Nick Duigan "tears up" the Hydro’s Ministerial Charter in Launceston. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

February 25, Midday: The Liberals say they will “tear up and rewrite” Hydro’s Ministerial Charter if re-elected.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the charter, which was implemented by Labor in 2012, prioritises exporting Tasmanian energy.

Mr Rockliff said under a re-elected Liberal government, a new charter would ensure that the Hydro “puts Tasmanian prices and Tasmanian jobs first”.

“Under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, a re-elected majority Rockliff Liberal government will once again make the Hydro a true economic enabler for our state,” Mr Rockliff said.

Premier Rockliff addresses the media in Launceston. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

“We’re going to ensure that we’re ripping up the Labor-Green Hydro Charter, which focused on ensuring that the Hydro’s main focus was exporting Tasmanian energy to Victoria.

“Our new Hydro charter will ensure that every single decision that Hydro makes is driven by delivering the lowest possible power prices for Tasmanians and enabling economic growth and job creation right here in Tasmania.”

Labor says it will match the Liberals promise, and will “take back Hydro” to ensure cheaper electrical prices.

Coincidentally Labor has announced the same policy. Energy spokesman Dean Winter said the Liberal government had 10 years to make a change, and didn’t.

“Why have they waited until now to change the current charter which makes it clear that Hydro’s primary purpose is to make money selling our power to the mainland?” Mr Winter said.

Clarence mayor makes call on election run

Sunday, February 25: Clarence mayor Brendan Blomeley will stick with the Liberal Party and will not run as an independent at the state election.

He says he was “overwhelmed” by party members who asked him to stay after he revealed on Thursday he was considering running as an independent in Franklin.

A prominent member of the Liberal Party for 33 years, Mr Blomeley said he was asked to stand by a cross section of business and community leaders.

“When men and women of stature who are community minded ask you to run for parliament, you are duty bound to consider their suggestion,” he said in a statement on Sunday.

“Over the past few days, I have considered their suggestion and politely declined because my heart has always been with the Liberal Party, and I strongly believe the values of the Liberal Party are the best to take Tasmania forward.

Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley. Picture: Chris Kidd

“I was overwhelmed by the number of Liberal Party members from right around Tasmania who asked me to remain with the party.

“Their genuine encouragement and support is greatly appreciated.”

Mr Blomeley, who narrowly missed out on being elected Liberal president last year, says his focus will continue to be working hard and “being the very best mayor I can be for the people of Clarence”.

“I appreciate the role with which the people of the City of Clarence have entrusted me and there is still much work to be done. Being the driving force behind the Derwent Ferry Service, it is important that as mayor I continue to oversee the expansion of this service, as well as the development of the AFL / AFLW High Performance Centre,” he said.

“Given cost-of-living pressures, I will also seek to maintain as low a rate base as possible.”