A Majority Labor Government will guarantee security for Tasmania’s forestry industry so it is able to thrive and deliver jobs for Tasmanians.
Shadow Minister for Resources, Shane Broad, said Labor would stand up for the right of Tasmanians to earn a living in the forestry industry.
“Labor knows how important the forestry industry is to Tasmania’s economy, and in particular to the economies of many of our regional communities,” Dr Broad said.
“We also understand how important the timber industry is to a range of other industries such as building and construction.
“That’s why we will always defend the industry against attacks from the Greens, on one hand, and attempts by the Liberals to politicise the industry, on the other.
“The last thing the industry needs is for forestry to become a political football and that is why we are committed to the Tasmanian Forest Agreement, the Regional Forest Agreement and stopping dangerous protest actions.
“Within our first 100 days, Labor commits to provide stronger protection to workers and businesses by legislating aggravated trespass laws and Timber Harvesting Safety Zones.
“Labor also commits to increased resources to reduce workplace invasions by employing 4 additional WorkPlace Standards workers.”
Dr Broad said Labor will work with industry to resolve native hardwood resource security issues on state and private land and develop necessary legislative changes or financial incentives to help private growers plant more trees on farms.
“Labor will investigate options to enhance the productivity of state-owned native forests to provide a stable 10 year wood supply for major customers, country saw millers and the special species sector.
“We will also address road infrastructure pinch points, upgrade ports, fund innovation, training, and timber promotion.
“Only Labor has a plan to support our forestry industry into the future and create much needed jobs in this sector.”
Shane Broad MP
Shadow Minister for Resources
