A Greens’ motion calling for transparency over energy promises and requirements for existing AI data centres, as well as plans for new facilities, has passed the Lower House of Tasmanian Parliament.
The Greens tabled one of the largest parliamentary e-petitions ever, with over 10,000 signatories calling for a moratorium on AI data facilities until guardrails to protect the community and environment are in place.
In Private Members’ Time, we brought a motion asking MPs to acknowledge the community concern and the widespread calls for a moratorium until safeguards are in place to protect Tasmanian interests, in addition to seeking much needed information on AI data centre proposals.
Signatories to the petition will rightly feel let down by Labor, who teamed up with the Liberals to vote against a moratorium, and against the calls of the Tasmanian community. The Lib-orials vote means AI data centres will continue to expand across the state without the necessary guardrails in place, likely including the Firmus’ Wesley Vale proposal.
But in good news, the Greens’ other motion points seeking vital information about other AI data facilities working to set up in Tasmania, their proposed location, energy and water use details, as well as energy negotiation details for Firmus’ Bell Bay and Wesley Vale site passed the House.
We accepted Labor’s amendments, calling on the Liberals to table their Statement of Expectations for AI data facilities, including details explanations on the proposed requirements for new energy generation.
Ultimately, while falling short of a moratorium, we believe the motion as amended should ensure the release of critical information that should be public anyway.
We urge the Liberals to finally be transparent about their plans for AI data facilities in Tasmania. It’s time they put the interests of Tasmanians ahead of billion-dollar tech companies.
