Jacqui Lambie (Tasmania, Jacqui Lambie Network) Share this | Hansard source

That's all well and good for Victorians, and I'm not going to get in the way of that—that's for sure. I just want to ask why no hydrogen projects in Tasmania are getting the same special treatment from the federal government that they seem to be getting in Victoria. I think it's a fair ask. It's not like we don't have an appetite for this stuff in my own state. I can tell you that there are Tasmanian investors and investors from outside Tasmania who are champing at the bit to be able to build up our hydrogen industry in Tasmania. The state government wants it as well. We are ready and set to go. There are shovel-ready projects that are so close to getting off the ground. The plans are there. The finance is there. It's not that far off. And we can taste it. We just need a little push to get it going—just like what Victorians are getting here. And good for them. Like I said, I'm not getting in their way, I don't want to tread on their toes. But, frankly, I think Tassie would be a better investment and I think there is enough money to go around for everyone. Our hydrogen industry wouldn't have to be stuffing around with these expensive carbon capture projects to make it happen. Instead, we are perfectly placed to use renewable energy to make proper green hydrogen. It would be cheap to produce and it would bring thousands of jobs to my neck of the woods. I can tell you, after being the epicentre of COVID-19, we are going to need those jobs to get back on our feet. It would also help stabilise our energy market so we don't have the threat of massive price hikes on our electricity bills if a big industrial player pulls out.

Honestly, it would be win-win for everyone, so I just don't see why we've been overlooked on this. Maybe this is just another case of Tasmania being left off the map. Well, I'm putting us back in the spotlight because Tasmanian green hydrogen could be a huge opportunity for the country and also for my state. I invite the federal government to get on board.