Our Government's support for Tasmanian forestry and forestry workers has been rock solid and will continue.
Minister for Resources, Felix Ellis, said Labor's decision to end native forestry in Victoria virtually overnight poses a significant challenge for Tasmania, even with our strong Buy Local Policy.
"We are not here to fix Dan Andrews' stuff-ups and we are committed to backing in local forestry jobs. Desperate people interstate have been let down by another anti-forestry Labor Government.
"While the contract reported in recent media was signed by STT at arm's length from Government, we are already seeking advice around how we can best support Tasmanian forestry from the fallout of Victorian Labor's catastrophic decision.
""Tasmanian Labor's silence, followed by their hypocrisy, in the face of this extraordinary decision has been telling.
"This Liberal Government has demonstrated our commitment to local industry by creating the Buy Local Policy to ensure the value of Tasmanian businesses is recognised when awarding tenders, so that we give local suppliers every opportunity to create jobs to grow Tasmania's economy.
"Our focus has always been on growing the Tasmanian timber industry. This is why jobs, investment and confidence in the sector are all up under a Liberal Government."
The Tasmanian Liberal Government will continue to support our world-class sustainable forestry industry and the many Tasmanian families it supports.
As part of the Buy Local Policy, Tasmanian businesses receive a 25 per cent advantage when being considered for tenders – and this applied in the recent STT tender.
