Tasmanian Labor supports jobs in regional Tasmania. It is what we believe in and what we fight for.
We urge environmental non-governmental organisations moving to renege on their commitment to the Tasmania Forest Agreement to act with restraint.
The TFA has demonstrated that jobs, industry and conservation can co-exist. The last thing Tasmania needs is another forest war.
It is also important to note that we wouldn't be in this position if Minister Felix Ellis didn't attempt to re-open the forest wars with his controversial election policy which managed to divide all sides of the debate and saw industry desert him.
Just like we've seen with DAPs, Minister Ellis has put politics ahead of outcomes.
The industry doesn't want another forest war, nor do Tasmanians. The only groups that do are the Greens and the Bob Brown Foundation, and apparently Minister Felix Ellis.
Jeremy Rockliff needs to outline today whether or not he stands by his divisive Minister's approach.
The Liberal government needs to stop treating the industry as a political wedge and instead work with it and with Labor to ensure there is long-term certainty for jobs and the economy.
Shane Broad MP
Shadow Minister for Resources
