The Labour Party has written to the Auditor-General to ask her to inquire into the failings of Solid Energy.
Labour's state owned enterprises spokesperson, Clayton Cosgrove, has outlined the reasons for why an inquiry is needed into the company which, as of this month, is $390 million in debt.
Mr Cosgrove says the governance and management of Solid Energy is in question and there are a number of alleged examples of financial impropriety which need investigating.
He says there is a significant level of public interest in restoring confidence in the SOE model; particularly so that potential investors in mixed ownership are assured companies' reports are accurate.
Mr Cosgrove says a number of people want to provide evidence of why Solid Energy has failed and they need the protection of an inquiry.