- Minister at odds with TFGA, potato producers
- Guy Barnett must listen to industry, reverse decision
The Liberal government has one final opportunity to do the right thing by Tasmania’s $400 million potato industry and reverse its damaging decision to allow imports from South Australia
Shadow Minister for Primary Industries Shane Broad said it’s time the government listened to the industry and removed the risk once and for all.
“It’s bad enough that the government made this decision without consulting the industry first and then had to make changes following a hasty review,” Dr Broad said.
“In Parliament last week, Guy Barnett’s only defence was that the TFGA did not oppose the South Australian imports.
“With the organisation now openly backing producers, how can Guy Barnett continue to defend this decision that the industry is up in arms about?
“Producers are meeting with Guy Barnett tomorrow, giving him one last chance to do the right thing and reverse the decision.
“Local farmers are already meeting the demand, and allowing imports from South Australia risks our disease‑free status and the Tasmanian brand, putting the jobs of farmers, packers and processors in jeopardy, along with the industry’s viability.
“Our potato industry is too important to put at risk. I urge the Minister to finally listen to producers and reverse this decision, in the interests of our growers and Tasmania’s $400 million industry.”
Shane Broad
Shadow Minister for Primary Industries
