MP says TasNetworks may axe 300 jobs

The Government nor TasNetworks have denied claims the company is planning to axe hundreds of jobs as part of a restructure. LATEST >>

TASNETWORKS is planning to axe up to 300 jobs as part of a restructure, member for Franklin David O’Byrne says.

Neither the government nor the company — which employs around 1200 workers — has denied the claims.

Mr O’Byrne asked the government about the restructure of the state-owned electricity distributor during Question Time in state parliament on Wednesday.

He said it was at odds with government promises of a “jobs bonanza” in the sector.

Energy and Emissions Minister Guy Barnett did not answer Mr O’Byrne’s question but gave a speech about the government’s plans for the energy sector.

“I’m happy to make it very clear that we have big plans for renewable energy and a key part of that going forward,” he said in part.

Appeals to Speaker Mark Shelton to have Mr Barnett address the question failed.

Mr O’Byrne said it was clear from Mr Barnett’s response that something was up.

“Energy Minister Guy Barnett repeatedly refused to rule out major job losses at TasNetworks despite having numerous opportunities to do so,” he said.

Minister for Resources Guy Barnett. Question time in parliament. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“He either knows about it and refuses to tell the parliament, or he is completely out of touch with his own portfolio. I’m not sure which is worse.

“The Minister needs to immediately explain what a potential restructure would mean for hundreds of Tasmanian workers and their families.

“They’ve announced a jobs bonanza in the energy sector and delivered the exact opposite, just look at what happened with Hydro last year while the Minister and the government sat idly by.

TasNetworks CEO Sean McGoldrick also did not deny Mr O’Byrne’s claims.

“Tasmania’s energy landscape is dynamically changing, and TasNetworks is undergoing a long-term transformation to ensure the business is fit-for-purpose, and in the best position to grasp the opportunities ahead,” he said.

“This transformation will occur over the coming two years, with the ultimate goal to have a business able to capitalise on the expected future growth in renewable energy, and help to keep downward pressure on power prices for all Tasmanians.

“TasNetworks is working closely and openly with our people about these changes.

“Given the growth opportunities ahead in the broader sector, the business will be working to adapt roles for its staff as the transformation continues.”

Professionals Australia director Luke Crowley represents many of the workers at the energy distributor.

“We have a major concern that major cuts to TasNetworks are being proposed as it is on the verge of a significant growth program on the horizon with Marinus, pumped hydro and significant private industry investment in renewables all planned,” he said.

“If TasNetworks cuts into its base of infrastructure professionals if may well leave itself open to failing to be able to deliver on these key upgrades.

“While the promise that the redundancies will be only voluntary is good, we still have major concerns for the workloads of the staff that stay if there is an extended recruitment freeze, or too many staff are lost from key areas.”

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