Acting Tasmanian Premier Bryan Green said that the decision to restructure Forestry Tasmania was in the best interests of Tasmanian taxpayers and aimed at providing greater certainty for its workforce. Source: Timberbiz
Mr Green released a statement this week after Forestry Tasmania chairman Miles Hampton resigned from his position just three weeks after accepting it. On his resignation he stated the reason was the State Government’s restructuring plan for Forestry Tasmania.
Hampton said he could no longer support the policies of the Government and accused it of trying to starve Forestry Tasmania of cash.
Green wants to create a statutory authority to take control of production forests from Forestry Tasmania. Mr Hampton said the decision was not in the best interests of the company and would result in its complete emasculation.
In his most recent statement, Minister Green reiterated that Forestry Tasmania would remain a standalone corporate entity responsible for commercial wood production as part of reforms that have been announced.
“The Government’s decision to change the operating structure of Forestry Tasmania was based on independent advice and we are committed to implementing the reform,” Mr Green said.
“Forestry Tasmania faces significant financial losses and the Government has no option but to act.
“It would be totally irresponsible of the Government to ignore the facts as they stand and in that respect Forestry Tasmania is no different to any other Government Business Enterprise,” Mr Green said.
“The Government must ensure Forestry Tasmania is on a viable financial footing as the industry confronts unprecedented challenges,” Mr Green said.
Forest Industries Association of Tasmania (FIAT) chief executive Terry Edwards had said that he would withdraw from the Tasmania’s forestry peace talks to allow Minister Green to review his decision regarding Forestry Tasmania.
It appears that Minister Green has made his decision.
