Tasmanian Labor will seek to work with Independent MPs John Tucker and Lara Alexander to create a Tasmanian First Forestry Policy.
Today, I toured Neville Smith Forestry Products at Mowbray.
Saw mill operators and forestry industry leaders have shared their concern about the future of the industry under Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Minister Felix Ellis. Mills like this one at Mowbray face an uncertain future unless Minister Ellis is pulled into line.
They also expressed concern that Minister Ellis and Sustainable Timbers Tasmania will award a contract to a mainland saw miller at the expense of a local Tasmanian company putting Tasmanian jobs at risk.
In the middle of a housing and cost of living crisis this approach means that intergenerational Tasmanian businesses may be forced to reduce jobs or even close.
After 10 years in office, it is clear that the minority Liberal Government has done little to protect our forestry industry and ensure that regional businesses and jobs continue to thrive across the state.
A Labor Government will get to work on putting Tasmania and Tasmanians first, ensuring that regional businesses, jobs and economies are protected.
Rebecca White MP
Tasmanian Labor Leader
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