The Tasmanian Opposition has warned the Government is not giving sawmillers enough time to sign up to exit the industry. The Government announced it was allowing sawmillers two weeks to apply to hand back their sawlog contracts with Forestry Tasmania. Source: ABC News
The first stage of the $15 million, federally-funded scheme will prioritise sawmillers who will struggle to maintain supply under the peace deal.
The Liberals’ Jeremy Rockliff said it was unclear what will happen if the peace talks fail.
“No assurances have been given to sawmillers whatsoever,” he said. “The timeframe is far too short and this is just an example of a desperate government handing out taxpayers dollars.”
Tasmanian Finance Minister Scott Bacon said talk of the consequences of the deal falling through is mere speculation.
“That’s a hypothetical question but really what the Government’s committed to doing is making sure we have a sustainable forest industry in Tasmania.
“It’s been a very complex process that we’ve been through but the government remains committed to it,” he said.
