Press conference, Bell Bay, Tasmania

JEREMY ROCKLIFF: Well, thanks very much, everyone, for joining us. Fantastic to be here. Another great joint federal-state initiative. It’s wonderful to have once again Federal Minister for Energy Chris Bowen here with us. And, Chris, can I say, thank you very much for the work that we’ve done together between state and federal Governments over the course of the last 12 months, particularly around securing what is a very good Marinus deal for both state and federal Government, of course. And notwithstanding, of course, the importance of this announcement, Jenny McAllister as well, Minister for Climate Change and –

JENNY MCALLISTER: Assistant Minister for Climate Change.

JEREMY ROCKLIFF: Assistant Minister for Climate Change – there you go. Very good. Well, thank you very much for being here as well. And, Jenny, can I say as well – and I won’t steal any of your thunder – but, again, Energy Saver initiatives today, a great cost of living initiative. Again, another great partnership between state and federal Government. And I’ll allow you to speak a little more on that.

We have a Minister for Energy at state level, Nick Duigan, with us along with the Parliament Secretary to the Premier and Liberal member for Bass, Simon Wood, local member for Lyons, Brian Mitchell. Welcome, Brian, once again. Senator Helen Polley, thank you, Helen, for being here as well. We also have Susie Bower, the CEO of the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone as well. And I’m horrified if I’ve left anyone out. No? Got everyone. Very good.

All right. Today is a very great announcement. And it’s fantastic that the $70 million federal investment has been secured. And once again, I thank the federal Government for again a great partnership when it comes to the establishment of the Tasmanian green hydrogen energy hub. Really, a great bipartisan initiative - $70 million, of course, adding to – or included in the $300 million investment. This is [indistinct] many jobs - about 750 jobs across the economy from management to our tradies. We’re talking about plumbers, electricians, fantastic local jobs initiative, wonderful for the region.

And this also unlocks, of course, $1.2 billion of investment we expect, the flow-on effects through the economy over the course of the next four years. As you can see by our surrounds, our port infrastructure, our access to water, our access to other very important infrastructure, Tasmania is ideally positioned for a hydrogen hub and a hydrogen hub such as this bringing in Tasmania’s potential competitive advantages with state and federal and, of course, private investment and really secures and puts Tasmania once again at the forefront of being the renewable energy powerhouse for the nation. And I include, of course, the Marinus Link investment of which we’re working through now with our final investment decision towards the end of 2024.

So, this just highlights the fact that state and federal Governments working well together, co-investing and ensuring that Tasmania once again, when we create jobs, when we invest in our economy, grow our economy, we’re all working together to ensure that Tasmania is the best place in the nation to live, to work and to raise a family.

On those few words, I’ll hand over to Minister Bowen.

CHRIS BOWEN: Well, thanks very much, Premier. And it’s great to be back in Tasmania to kick off the year with two very important partnerships between the Albanese Government and the Rockliff Government and two very important initiatives for the people of Tasmania.

Firstly, of course, our Government wants Australia to be a hydrogen superpower, a green hydrogen superpower. Hydrogen is a way of storing renewable energy, transporting it around Australia and, indeed, ultimately transporting and exporting it to the rest of the world. And Tasmania has a very important role to play in that future, hence we’re here today to confirm that we’ve reached agreement on Bell Bay being a hydrogen hub - $70 million worth of investment from the Albanese Government which, as the Premier said, will unlock state investment and, therefore, also unlock private sector investment going forward.

This investment will be in Common User Infrastructure, the things which are necessary to create a hydrogen hub here in Bell Bay, to get that hydrogen stored and transported and exported right here in Tasmania.

What I’m particularly excited about in this in this hydrogen hub it the opportunity for using green hydrogen for decarbonising maritime transport not just in Tasmania and not just in Australia but around the world. You know, if maritime transport of shipping was a country, it would be the seventh biggest emitter in the world. And it’s one of the hardest nuts to crack when it comes to finding ways of reducing emissions around the world.

And we know it will rely in some form or another on green hydrogen, and Tasmania being such a maritime state, shipping being so important to Tasmania’s heritage and its future, I believe this particular hydrogen hub will play an important role – 45,000 tonnes a year of green hydrogen. That’s enough for around 2,200 heavy vehicles. Hydrogen will, of course, play a role in heavy vehicle transport going forward here in Tasmania and across the country.

And, of course, we were determined to ensure that Tasmania not just not miss out but be a key part of Australia’s hydrogen future, and this announcement today, this signing of the contract between two Governments, the locking in of the details which have been under negotiation between us for some time is a very important step for Tasmanians to a renewable future, an industrial energy future as well.

Also, of course, Jenny and I are today announcing with the Government our social housing initiatives. We know that just because you live in public or social housing you should not miss out on opportunities of reducing your bills and your emissions. And particularly here in Tasmania what we’re focused on is energy efficiency. It can get very cold in some parts of the year, and energy bills can go up. There are more efficient ways of doing it which reduce the bills for social and public housing tenants and reduce emissions as well, with heat pumps or major retrofits. And I’m delighted that our more than $16 million joint investment, equal between two Governments, will see those bills and emissions come down for social and public housing tenants in Tasmania. Jenny will add some more details about that in a moment.

This is an important – both important partnerships, both important for Tasmania, important for Tasmania’s industrial future. Certainly our Tasmanian Labor delegation in Helen Polley, Brian Mitchell, Julie Collins and the others have been pushing us very hard to ensure that Tasmania is central to our plans – and it is central to our plans. We’re delighted to partner with the Rockliff Government on these two initiatives.

I’ll ask Nick to add and then Jenny.

NICK DUIGAN: Thanks, Minister Bowen. And I would add my thanks publicly and on the record for the work that you’ve done and this partnership that you have announced today, being the signing of the deed between the Tasmanian Rockliff Government and the Albanese Government – a $70 million federal investment here in the Tasmanian green hydrogen hub. And this is a really, really exciting announcement for this part of northern Tasmania. As the member for Windermere and representing Bell Bay, this is one I’ve been looking forward to greatly.

It should also be said, work has already commenced I would say in terms of implementation and engagement with community and stakeholders around the hub here because this is, as I say, such an important investment in this part of Tasmania and what it means for Tasmania’s future as a renewable energy powerhouse going forward.

What we’ll be doing in the next little bit is speaking with our proponents who are interested in setting up here in the Bell Bay green hydrogen hub, and certainly hope to have more to say about the securing of tenants in terms of anchor tenants for the hub site in the not too distant future working with those proponents.

Of course, this is a really important day and an important announcement, and it’s important that we continue to work with those proponents, that we continue to work with the businesses in the Bell Bay area and we continue to work with the regulators about delivering the best value for Tasmania. As Minister Bowen said, the green hydrogen hub is about delivering shared infrastructure, whether that be port infrastructure, which is hugely important for our export ambitions, whether that’s transmission connections, whether it’s water that is required for hydrogen production.

But obviously, this is a massive opportunity. Tasmania is so well placed. Bell Bay is so well placed in all of those aspects. We have a natural competitive advantage and we are determined as a Government to see Tasmania leverage that opportunity.

So really pleased to stand here today – 750 jobs in the northern Tasmanian region. I can’t understate what that means. They’re good, solid jobs for our tradies, for management people, for people pouring concrete. Jobs that go on into the future, and $1.2 million in economic activity expected to be generated by the hydrogen hub here at Bell Bay. And obviously Tasmania has aspirations to be a globally significant player. And I’d say we’ve already got a significant hydrogen player in HIF in the Burnie region, and we are looking to continue to expand our role as a hydrogen exporter and a user of hydrogen on island later in this decade.

So, again, I thank the federal Government for its belief and its commitment to our vision and look forward to seeing our green hydrogen hub power on in 2028. Thank you very much.

JENNY MCALLISTER: So, Tasmania has some of the most picturesque spots in the country, but it also has some of the coldest. And unfortunately, here in Tasmania much of the housing is not up to scratch and Australians deserve housing that is comfortable year-round. This isn’t isolated to Tasmania, of course. Millions of houses across the country were built before minimum energy performance standards were in place. And it means that too many Australians experience too much heat in summer or too cold in winter, and they’re paying more than they need to for their electricity bills.

And it’s that insight that is at the heart of the Government’s budget initiative to invest $1.7 billion into homes, into businesses, into community facilities so that we can make every watt count. We know it can make an enormous difference for home dwellers, people living in housing if we make even modest upgrades to the performance of these homes. Technologies like heat pumps, insulation, draft-proofing, glazing on windows can significantly reduce the costs associated with keeping the home at a comfortable temperature and has very significant flow-on benefits to tenants and homeowners alike.

Here in Tasmania our plan is to work with the Tasmanian Government to partner with the Government to invest $16.6 million in upgrading more than 1,600 Tasmanian social and community homes. We know that some of the people who live in these homes are the people who can benefit most from upgrades of this kind but are people who can least afford the upfront costs associated with these changes. We’re determined to make sure no one is left behind and to make sure Australians right across the country, no matter where they live or what they earn or what kind of housing they live in, can benefit from the revolution in energy performance over the coming decade.

Australians already lead the world in solar. We want to lead the world in this domain too. So it is with enormous pleasure that we stand here today with the Rockliff Government ready to work with them to upgrade social and public housing right across the state as part of our broader national program to improve the lives of millions of Australians.

JEREMY ROCKLIFF: All right, questions? Any questions on matters of detail around today’s announcement and other matters. I’ll be taking other issues, of course, but –

JOURNALIST: Is the focus of this project on domestic hydrogen or are we talking about export as well?

JEREMY ROCKLIFF: Well, Chris can answer these questions. But, of course, heavy vehicles has already been mentioned as well in terms of capacity where we can deliver for this. Thanks, Chris.

CHRIS BOWEN: What we’ve got to do is build a domestic hydrogen industry which will then grow into an export industry. We’ve got to get the domestic right first and then build the exports from there. And that’s certainly what we’ll be doing here in Bell Bay and across the country. You know, one of the advantages of hydrogen is that you can put it on a ship ultimately and export it. There’s a lot of work that’s going on in the science & technology side. We have an agreement with Germany, for example, where they are very keen to buy Australian green hydrogen. We have an MOU with the Port of Rotterdam where they are keen to be the import terminal for green hydrogen into Europe. So it has enormous potential going forward. But, of course, domestic uses as well. As the Premier said, hydrogen will play its biggest role in transport and heavy transport, not so much cars. There are hydrogen cars, there will continue to be, but Australians also are very strong supporters of electric cars. But in heavy vehicles hydrogen will play a bigger role. Shipping, as I said, and ultimately in aviation too.

JOURNALIST: In terms of these, I suppose, four groups that have, like, expressed interest, like, on being on part of this site, [indistinct] investment, yeah, I suppose, how far is it going to go kind of, I suppose, to getting those corporate proposals over the line?

CHRIS BOWEN: Well, I mean, Nick might want to add, but, you know, this is essential to unlocking the next stage. You know, you need to have the common user infrastructure in. The state Government can now work through its preferred proponents. We’ve agreed on that process. But until and unless you have this agreement, then the proponents don’t know that the infrastructure is going to be there to support them. So I guess to your question, how important it is for the next stage – it’s vital for the next stage.

NICK DUIGAN: I might add something there. This hub is a catalyst and it’s a catalyst for investment in terms of hydrogen proponents who will come here to deliver their projects. It’s also a catalyst for renewable generators on island to deliver their wind and solar projects. So this hub has the effect of focusing all that energy, providing load and providing opportunities for generators, providing prosperity for Tasmanians.

JOURNALIST: Is the project reliant on Marinus Link being built?

NICK DUIGAN: Absolutely not. One of the key foundations of this hub and proponents who come to this hub will source their own generation. They’ll do deals with on-island generators, new wind generators, new solar generators. So that renewable energy will be firmed by hydro, and there is capacity in the system to do that. But it’s not reliant on Marinus. This – we would see this hub producing by late 2027, early 2028.

JOURNALIST: So there’s plenty of power to do so?

NICK DUIGAN: Well, as I say, proponents who come into our hydrogen hub will need to bring power with them. And they’re understanding of that. They’ll do deals with new generation. Obviously that variable generation requires firming, and hydro has capacity in its system to provide 400 megawatts of firming. So we don’t see an issue with this being – with power being an issue for this site.

JOURNALIST: Is this likely to be the biggest hydrogen hub in Australia or not?

NICK DUIGAN: That’s probably one for Minister Bowen. It’s certainly likely to be the largest hydrogen hub in Tasmania. And that’s the important thing today. You know, we’re really excited about this. As I say, this is a catalyst for investment. It’s not just about the proponents of who will be here, but it's about what it means for on-island generation, what it means for jobs, what it actually means for people who want to invest in Tasmania.

JOURNALIST: So Origin Energy has put their plans to build here on ice. Are you confident that this investment will, I guess, make them more confident to come here?

NICK DUIGAN: Certainly there are a number of proponents who are very, very interested in taking part and being part of the Bell Bay green hydrogen hub and the future that is being laid out here. As I say, we’re providing all the common use infrastructure that you need in order to deliver it hydrogen production facility. And that’s really important. That’s the value of this hub. So [indistinct] investment for people who want to invest in Tasmania.

JOURNALIST: And is it likely to keep power prices down?

NICK DUIGAN: Well, obviously we are very, very focused on, you know, power prices in Tasmania. It’s a key focus for me. This hub will unlikely have great impact on domestic power prices. As I say, it will require proponents to bring their energy with them. They are fully understanding of that. So there is likely to be really no impact on Tasmania power prices, with the caveat, I would say, that this hub will drive more generation on island. And more generation on island has the effect of driving power prices in Tasmania down.

JOURNALIST: How close to announcing are those groups. Are we expecting them to be announcing soon?

NICK DUIGAN: Look, as I said, we are absolutely speaking to proponents who want to set up operations here and have been doing that for some period of time. So, as I say, we’d hope to have something to say in that space in the not-too-distant future.

JOURNALIST: A lot of energy announcements haven’t come to fruition. Will this one be different?

NICK DUIGAN: I’m not sure which energy announcements you’re talking about, but this is really about reaping the seeds that we’ve sown over time. The Rockliff Liberal Government has been very, very active in promoting Tasmania as a great place to do business. We know that there are some long lead times in this space. But we are now really starting to see the fruits of those labours come to bear.

JOURNALIST: Did you seek any guarantees before providing this funding?

CHRIS BOWEN: Well, we’ve been in very good faith and constructive negotiations with Nick and with the Rockliff Government. They’ve been going on for some months, as you would imagine. It’s a lot of money, you’ve got to do your due diligence. We’ve reached agreement and hence we’re here making the announcement and we’re proceeding today.

JOURNALIST: What’s going on with the wind farm in terms of its sitting on Tanya Plibersek’s desk?

CHRIS BOWEN: Well, I don’t comment on other ministers’ approval processes. But, you know, very clearly, as a matter of principle, we believe in an renewable energy future for Australia. We also believe in proper and rigorous environmental approvals and checks. And those two things are not incompatible.

JOURNALIST: Are you making preparations for an early election?

JEREMY ROCKLIFF: We’re three-quarters of the way through the term. Of course we are. We’re – not an early election but an election in May 2025, of course, when it’s due. So you’d expect us to be advertising for candidates, of course. Preselections will take place. We are preparing for an election in May 2025.

JOURNALIST: The rumour is you’re going to call one next week?

JEREMY ROCKLIFF: Rumours?

JOURNALIST: That’s what my sources say.

JEREMY ROCKLIFF: I don’t deal with rumours at all. I deal with facts. I won’t be calling an election next week. There you go. That’s a fact.

JOURNALIST: Have you met with John Tucker over his demands and his threat to withdraw support?

JEREMY ROCKLIFF: Yes.

JOURNALIST: If we have an early election would be John Tucker’s fault?

JEREMY ROCKLIFF: Well, look, I’m loving I’m doing. You know, it’s great. Today is a great example of it. And it’s not the first time I’ve stood alongside a Labor federal minister or, indeed, Prime Minister to announce something positive for Tasmania. [Indistinct], for example, it’s a very good example of that. Marinus and others today in terms of Tasmania’s green hub – energy hub. And it’s great that I’m looking around the state seeing things built in every single corner of the state. The Bridgewater Bridge, for example, the Mersey Community Hospital, which I drive past, you know, just about every week or more in actual fact. There’s some great things happening in Tasmania which we’re very, very proud of, and what I’m focused on is getting on with the job. I enjoy the job that I’ve got. I’m getting on with the job, getting things done, employing Tasmanians. Today’s announcement, of course, is tradie heaven – plumbers, electricians, engineers are all going to benefit from today’s announcement.

JOURNALIST: The PM said yesterday he won’t grant you GST exemption for the stadium. What’s your reaction to that?

JEREMY ROCKLIFF: Well, the Prime Minister, of course, and I worked solidly on the urban renewal of Macquarie Point, and it’s that partnership which has secured an AFL team for Tasmania. It’s that partnership where we realised Tasmania’s dream – hard fought for I’ve got to say – for three or four decades to secure a Tasmanian AFL licence – in this case, the 19th licence. [Indistinct]. [Indistinct] money into the Macquarie Point precinct and the stadium [indistinct] of course investment of $65 million into [indistinct] fantastic. And Dr Chalmers, the Treasurer, of course, and our Treasurer are working on matters around the GST exemption, and those discussions will continue.

JOURNALIST: Did it seem to you that the PM is keen to protect the [indistinct]?

JEREMY ROCKLIFF: Well, I always like pollies that stand up for jobs, and that’s what we’re about in Tasmania. We’ve made our case very clearly, and we’re firmly on the side of jobs but also sustainability. When it comes to jobs in forestry, agriculture, aquaculture, mining, it’s all about investment of those companies. It’s all about long term and ensuring that whatever industry you’re talking about – in this case aquaculture – it’s done in an environmentally sustainable and sensitive way of which we’ve managed well through that; we’ve worked along the way. It’s about continuous improvement. [Indistinct]. [Indistinct] has, of course, as you’d expect a Prime Minister and, indeed, a Premier to do – to value the jobs in rural and regional Australia – in this case Tasmania.

SPEAKER: Last couple. Everyone okay?

JEREMY ROCKLIFF: Very good. Thank you.