Labor has unveiled a $200 million renewable energy strategy that plans to secure 500 megawatts of new renewable energy capacity.
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The renewable energy development target was the centrepiece of Opposition Leader Bryan Green’s budget reply speech, presented to Parliament on Tuesday.
Mr Green said Labor’s renewable energy initiative would bolster the business case for a second Basslink cable, but denied the second cable was required before creating additional energy generation in the state.
“Talking about a second Basslink without any expansion of renewable energy generation is like a chicken and egg. If you don’t have that opportunity to export energy then what are you doing building the cable,” Mr Green said.
“The energy crisis has allowed people to understand that out state can be vulnerable, we need to fix that… in the eyes of our major industrials and general consumers.”
Mr Green committed Labor to a review of the public service, which he said would involve working with unions, public servants and the wider community to “get the best fit for purpose public service we can have”.
He also unveiled $20 million for alternative fuel transport, a focus on preventative health and already announced regional tourism and public transport strategies.
Bass Liberal MHA Sarah Courtney said Labor’s plan committed $185 million of additional spending over four years and would “drive Tasmania back into deficit”.
The Greens delivered a fully-costed alternative budget on Tuesday, which included just over $600 million of savings, including a $100 million reduction in road funding and scrapping sponsorship deals with the Hawthorn Football Club and the V8 Supercars.
Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said her party would fund the phasing out of poker machines in pubs and clubs, purchase five pill testing machines and make a $100 million, four year preventative health commitment.
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