Tasmanian Senator Richard Colbeck has been reappointed to the role of Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Forestry. In this role, Senator Colbeck will be the chief spokesperson for the Coalition on all forest and forest product sector matters
“The forest and forest products sector is at a critical point where challenges must be overcome with strong support from government,” Senator Colbeck said.
“I am pleased to remain in this role and pleased to continue working with industry stakeholders.
“Of immediate priority in the portfolio is delivering $20 million in assistance to forest contractors in Tasmania.
“During the election campaign, the Coalition committed to this and Labor only matched this in a last-minute, panicked announcement. In fact, the Labor Party didn’t even release a full forestry policy.
“It is critical this funding of $20 million is provided to struggling forest contractors as soon as possible. Caretaker Forestry Minister Tony Burke was in Tasmania discussing this funding with contractors in the period after the election. There is no excuse for this funding not to be delivered within a matter of weeks.
“New Forestry Minister Joe Ludwig should make a visit to Tasmania his first priority.
“Denison Tasmanian independent MP Andrew Wilkie previously indicated his support for government was reliant on the speedy rolling out of this funding. Disappointingly, he has now gone quiet on this issue.”
Senator Colbeck said he would be advocating for the forest and forest products sector on other issues not least the impacts of climate change, regional forest agreements, renewable energy and forestry certification.
