Media Release

Peter Gutwein MP
Shadow Minister for Energy

Tuesday 27th April 2010

Basslink Break Down Could Hurt Hydro

A new cover-up has been discovered involving new Energy Minister, Bryan Green, and Basslink.

It has been confirmed that the Basslink cable broke down at 2.35pm, Saturday, 17 April and did not return to service again until 6.10pm, Monday, 26 April.

The unprecedented nine day break-down of Basslink could cost Hydro dearly. Yet Bryan Green, who was sworn in as Energy Minister mid-way through the break-down on 21 April, either didn't know it happened or decided not to tell anyone, hoping no one would notice.

Either way, it raises serious questions about Bryan Green's competence. Why didn't he tell Tasmanians what was happening, or that there was even a problem? What did he do as the responsible Minister to ensure Basslink was back on line as soon as possible?

He has already been forced to resign as a Minister once before after admitting to making poor decisions as a Minister and it seems like he's picked up from where he left off. What's even more concerning is the effect the break down could have on Hydro's budget. Given the contracts that Hydro is a party to, is Hydro liable to compensate clients affected by the break down?

Minister Green needs to start being honest and tell Tasmanians what occurred and what effect this will have on Hydro's bottom line.

Furthermore, were any major customers in Tasmania affected by this break down, given they would not have had access to energy imports from the mainland for nine days. Any costs incurred by Hydro will mean less money that can be invested in the business or returned to the Government. Ultimately, that means less money for the Government to spend on health, education and infrastructure.

Minister Green needs to immediately provide a full explanation of what went wrong and why he has remained silent on the issue.