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Rockliff backs community benefit scheme for data centers

By Drooid · Oct 28, 2026, 06:27 UTC · How we work

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Summary

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced data centre proponents will fund a community benefit scheme.
Opposition leader Josh Willie asked how much Firmus must contribute annually for St Leonards.
Greens MP Tabatha Badger demanded the Premier disclose all Tasmanian data centre sites and proponents.
Firmus pledged to underwrite two megawatts renewable power for each megawatt of its 444-MW Tasmanian load.

Summary

Greens leader David Shoebridge announced a $21-a-week tax cut at the National Press Club.
The plan raises the tax-free threshold from $18,200 to $26,000, saving up to $1,092 annually.
It adds $1,092 annually to JobSeeker, student, carer and age-pension payments.
Parliamentary Budget Office estimates the plan will cost $22 billion each year.
Shoebridge says the cost will be covered by a new gas and mining levy called ‘rivers of gold’.

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Rockliff Announces Community Scheme

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced data centre proponents will fund a community benefit scheme.
Opposition leader Josh Willie asked how much Firmus must contribute annually for St Leonards.
Greens MP Tabatha Badger demanded the Premier disclose all Tasmanian data centre sites and proponents.
Firmus pledged to underwrite two megawatts renewable power for each megawatt of its 444-MW Tasmanian load.

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