The Greens welcome the Minister for Energy’s decision to pause TasNetworks’ tender process to find a single contractor for its transmission and distribution network.
We have been concerned about this tender and calling for it to be halted ever since it was revealed to the public via media reporting a fortnight ago. The little information we have seen raised the prospect of privatisation, local job losses, and significant transparency issues, including between TasNetworks and the Minister. It was also worrying that the Minister had been entirely unaware of the plans.
Going ahead with this tender was a significant decision, and it had not properly involved key stakeholders. We’re glad the Minister has press paused, but what happens next is just as important.
What we need to see now is full transparency and genuine consultation. What we can’t see is simply a little bit of lip service from the government just to paper over the issue.
We look forward to hearing more from the Minister about exactly what happens now, and urge him to make sure the review of this matter is done thoroughly and includes key stakeholders.
