Liberty closure raises big power deal questions for Rockliff

The closure of Liberty Bell Bay is devastating for the 250 workers and contractors, their families, and Northern Tasmania.

Our priority is making sure workers get the support they need, including mental health support, retraining and help into new jobs. 

But, Tasmanians also deserve answers.

Ultimately a deal couldn’t be reached, despite being so close.

There are serious questions about Hydro Tasmania’s role in the closure and the Premier’s control over Government Businesses.

It is understood that a renegotiated power deal was required to restart the site, and EY has confirmed key enabling arrangements could not be resolved. 

The Premier must say whether the power deal was one of them, and whether his refusal to budge on the significant power price increases at the site over the past two years tipped the deal over the edge.

Its own Ministerial Charter says Hydro should support economic growth and job creation. That clearly has not happened here and we know Bell Bay Aluminium still doesn’t have a long-term power deal. 

After losing Liberty, the Government must now act with urgency to stop a domino effect crashing our energy system and our state economy.