Shadow Treasurer David O'Byrne said today the budget announcement of a new federal body to supposedly fast track the Marinus Link for Bass Strait raises more questions than it answers.
"How is the date of 2024 in any way fast tracking the project?
"And how many times are we going to hear that the second power cable which is meant to make Tasmania the battery of the nation has been fast tracked?
"Less than a month ago state Energy Minister Guy Barnett told us the Marinus Link project would be 'shovel ready' in 2023.
"Mr Barnett is living up to his reputation as the missing link," Mr O'Byrne said.
"There is a serious disconnect here between the political rhetoric and the reality surrounding this project.
"Minister Barnett has already lost the CEOs of TasNetworks and Hydro Tasmania – the key state organisations meant to drive this massive investment program.
"The Federal Government has intervened to establish a Board to take over the next stage of development.
"This is a clear vote of no confidence in the Tasmanian Government and Minister Barnett's ability to deliver this project.
"The Liberal Government's mismanagement of major infrastructure projects is extremely damaging for Tasmania's reputation and its ability to attract capital investment.
"They simply can't be trusted to pull off a significant project of this nature with $3.5 Billion of investment at stake."
David O'Byrne MP
Shadow Treasurer
