Mr Lennon, I am insulted

Joan Dehle-Emberg

The Premier’s glib answer indicates he had not read my questions. This is a serious dismissal of genuine concerns shared by many others. These concerns deserve his attention.

Again, my thanks to those who responded to my last column. (Pulp mill and politicians)

I have received another response to my questions in ‘The Pulp Mill: Democracy or Oligarchy’ which I sent to all politicians. Up to 21 September seven politicians had replied. Following is the eighth*:

The Premier Mr Lennon (referred by Jim Cox MHA), 27 September, addressed to Mr Buck and Mrs Joan Emberg: ‘I am responding on behalf of the Government. In relation to forest harvesting, let me reiterate again that not one extra tree will be cut down to feed the pulp mill. The proposed pulp mill will simply divert around 60 per cent of woodchips that would otherwise be exported to produce pulp at Bell Bay. The remaining 40 per cent will be exported. In other words there will be no change in forest activity whether the pulp mill is built or not.’

My Answer: ‘You misunderstood my concerns … My questions concern the process of decision making, the composition and affiliations of the RPDC and the protection of the people’s rightful democracy … I am sure you are aware of the suspicion abroad regarding politicians in general and, particularly, in the pulp mill, Gunns, the Government and the RPDC. The reasons for this suspicion are due to the lack of transparency surrounding the issues of the pulp mill. It is the Government’s job to clarify these issues. Please be assured I am not a simple ‘tree hugger’ … Indeed, none of my questions are about ‘trees’. My questions deserve closer examination than you have given. … Following are the queries I sent to you and to all other politicians of the Legislative Council and the House of Assembly … Also, please note that this email comes from myself … My husband has nothing to do with it.’

Comments: The Premier’s answer is a ‘put-down’ to myself, my questions and opposition to the pulp mill:

1. My emails to all politicians are signed in my own name, ‘Joan Dehle-Emberg’. They are not signed ‘Mr. and Mrs’. The assumption they are is nothing short of sexism.

2. The Premier’s glib answer indicates he had not read my questions. This is a serious dismissal of genuine concerns shared by many others. These concerns deserve his attention.

3. The assumption that I am no more than a ‘tree hugger’ is also a serious ‘put-down’ of myself and others who oppose the pulp mill. Not once do the words ‘tree’ or ‘forest’ appear in my questions.

4. My concerns centre round the erosion of rightful democracy by those in power, those in authority and those with money.

5. The Premier’s dismissive answer is pro forma.

In short, I am insulted!

Your responses are invited.

The letter: Buck_and_Joan_Emberg.pdf