The Greens latest ideological attack on Tasmania's mining sector has backfired with the Auditor-General confirming that there will be no audit of the highly successful Exploration Drilling Grants Initiative (EDGI).
After breathlessly announcing that they would refer the EDGI program to the Auditor-General, the Greens have been left exposed, having wasted taxpayers' money and valuable public servant time with their latest baseless attack on Tasmanian jobs and families.
"Despite the Greens' wild claims, the Auditor-General has made it clear there is no basis for a review of the EDGI program, underscoring that these baseless assertions were nothing more than another Greens' stunt," Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Minister Abetz said.
"The referral was a classic example of the Greens throwing mud and hoping something would stick – at the expense of public servants' valuable time and the taxpayers' back pocket.
"The truth is, the EDGI program has consistently delivered results for Tasmania. With significant mineral discoveries like the high-grade tin at North Scamander, the program has been instrumental in growing our state's mining sector and contributing vital royalties – $52.2 million last year alone – that fund essential services such as health, education, and housing.
"The Greens' constant attacks do nothing to help Tasmanians. They are an affront to the thousands of workers whose jobs depend on mining, and they undermine investor confidence in a sector critical to Tasmania's prosperity.
"As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, we will continue to support and grow industries like mining that provide jobs, revenue, and a sustainable future for our state.
"While the Greens keep playing politics, the Tasmanian Liberal Government remains focused on delivering real outcomes for Tasmanians."
