- Hodgman Government representative Courtney refuses to back Tasmania
The Minister who claims he puts 'Tasmania First' has embarrassingly been forced to admit that he didn't bother to turn up to argue Tasmania's case at a crucial COAG energy summit.
At the meeting in December last year, the NSW Government attempted to move a motion committing to net zero emissions by 2050.
The motion would have provided a boost to Tasmania's already strong renewable energy advantage but it was blocked by the coal-loving Angus Taylor.
In Budget Estimates today Labor Shadow Energy Minister, David O'Byrne, asked why Tasmania had not supported the motion.
"Guy Barnett first made it sound like he had been at the meeting but was pulled up by advisers who reminded him that he wasn't there and Sarah Courtney attended in his place," Mr O'Byrne said.
"Not only did the Tasmanian Minority Liberal Government fail to back a motion that would have advantaged our state, the Minister didn't even bother to turn up to the meeting.
"Mr Barnett is too lazy to put 'Tasmania First' in energy and he has proven that he puts his Liberal mates first every time.
"Minister Barnett fails to stand up to coal loving, nuclear energy advocating Senator Eric Abetz, he claims he attends meetings and rolls over and has his tummy tickled by the Federal Government at the expense of the best interests of Tasmania"
David O'Byrne MP
Shadow Minister for Energy
