Liberals vow to 'rip up' hydro charter if re-elected

Liberal leader Jeremy Rockliff has promised Tasmanian voters “Tasmanian prices for their energy”.

Tasmania’s major parties have promised changes to the state’s hydro-electricity rules and lower power prices, as they campaign ahead of the upcoming state election.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the Liberals would “rip up” the hydro ministerial charter, which focused on exporting energy to other states, if the government was returned for a fourth term in government.

“The hydro schemes were built on the blood, sweat and tears of hard working Tasmanians,” he said.

“Tasmanians deserve Tasmanian prices for their energy.”

The Liberals have also promised a $250 credit to households and $350 for small businesses under a renewable energy dividend.

Labor said they’d match the promise, and would seek to change hydro’s ministerial charter to ensure lower electricity prices if elected on March 23.

“We’re now in an energy crisis,” Labor’s energy spokesperson Dean Winter said.

“We’re at a point where new businesses can’t start here in Tasmania because there’s not enough power to allow them to grow … that’s why we need to change this policy.”

The Liberals, who had been in minority government, called an early election – more than a year ahead of schedule.

The parliament will expand from 25 to 35 seats at next month’s poll, with seven MPs elected from each of the five electorates.