The Hodgman Liberal Government has failed to stand up for regional jobs by talking down Tasmania's potential to become a leader the international renewable energy market.
It's estimated that a hydrogen plant, converting renewable energy into hydrogen for export, would support the creation of 500 jobs in northern Tasmania.
When speaking to media on Tuesday, Will Hodgman attacked Labor for calling on the Government to act.
"And now they come at this late stage with something that they pretend is a silver bullet solution, which is not," Mr Hodgman said.
Shadow Minister for Energy, David O'Byrne, said the Liberals must stop playing politics and join the conversation on the opportunity to create a robust and renewable hydrogen energy industry.
"Tasmania's job crisis has gone from bad to worse under Will Hodgman's watch and here we have an opportunity for the creation of 500 jobs - it's time the Government got up to speed," Mr O'Byrne said.
"Instead what we are hearing is Will Hodgman talk down Tasmania's potential to become a leader in the international renewable energy market.
"Now is not the time to be playing politics. We have a limited opportunity to secure a $10 billion hydrogen industry that could see Tasmania become a key player in supplying renewable hydrogen to other nations.
"Will Hodgman is insulting Northern Tasmania development and all those pushing for Tasmania to be a leader in green hydrogen.
"If Will Hodgman doesn't believe 500 new jobs could be a game changer for the north he is seriously out of touch.
"The local community and industry experts are calling for the Government to stand up for this job-creating opportunity in northern Tasmania. Meanwhile, the Government fails to even acknowledge the work being done to establish a National Hydrogen Strategy.
"The National Hydrogen Strategy is due out later this year which means Tasmania is running out of time to take advantage of this opportunity - Will Hodgman must act now.
"The Hodgman Government must show vision to make this industry a reality.
"Tasmanians deserve a Government that will fight for local jobs."
David O'Byrne MP
Shadow Minister for Energy
