Today I have written to the Leader of the Opposition advising her that Tasmania is preparing to sign the final Marinus Agreement to drive this vital project forward.

In September, my Government announced we had struck a new Agreement with the Federal and Victoria governments to deliver Marinus on Tasmania’s terms.

The deal will see Tasmania secure a 17.7 per cent stake in the project with an estimated investment of around $117 million.

As I said at the time, this is a very good outcome for Tasmania securing over $1.3 billion in economic activity and 1,400 jobs in the state.

Departmental officials have advised details of the Agreement have now been finalised and it is ready to be signed.

Importantly, we must confirm our intention to sign the Agreement by the end of the week to ensure procurement conditions.

I am aware that during this campaign the Labor Leader and her energy spokesman have stated they ‘will pull the plug’ on Marinus, believing the deal is ‘throwing good money after bad’.

Ms White has stated she plans to ‘use the money that the Government currently has for Marinus to create a new entity called the Tasmanian Power Company’.

Given this position, and Section 4 of the Caretaker Guidelines I have determined it would not be appropriate for my Government to sign the Agreement without first consulting the Labor leader.

I have therefore offered a departmental briefing for Ms White.

Given the looming deadline I look forward to receiving as a matter of urgency Ms White’s agreement - or otherwise - for the Deed being signed.