RPDC: Why?

Vica Bayley Press Release

“Why have these resignations occurred? Are there irreconcilable differences between the RPDC commissioners and the government over the pulp mill assessment? Has there been additional conflict over the Pulp Mill Task Force? Has there been political interference in the functions of the RPDC? “

Today’s announcement that Julian Green, RPDC Executive Commissioner, and panel member Dr Warwick Raverty are resigning throws the RPDC and its assessment of Gunns’ proposed pulp mill into total disarray, according to The Wilderness Society.

The resignations come hot on the heels of the groundbreaking Federal Court decision that logging in the Wielangta Forest has been illegal. The ramifications of this decision for all logging in Tasmania have yet to be established.

“The Wielangta decision places the wood supply plans for the pulp mill under a legal question mark,” said Mr Bayley. “Now that the RPDC has lost key members of its panel, more uncertainty has been thrown into the mix.”

There are also questions over the reasons for these two resignations at this time. There has already been controversy over the activities of the government’s Pulp Mill Task Force. In early 2005, documents released under Freedom of Information revealed that Mr Green used strong language in correspondence with the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

“If the (Pulp Mill) Task Force activities are not reined in two outcomes are likely. Firstly, the Commission (RPDC) will be compromised in the eyes of the public and interest groups and therefore the assessment process seen to be contaminated. Secondly, the accreditation of the process may be in question.” (emphasis added)

“Why have these resignations occurred? Are there irreconcilable differences between the RPDC commissioners and the government over the pulp mill assessment? Has there been additional conflict over the Pulp Mill Task Force? Has there been political interference in the functions of the RPDC?

“The public deserves to know the truth. Until this happens, the assessment process must be put on hold,” continued Mr Bayley.

The Wilderness Society calls on the government to adopt an open and transparent process for appointing new commissioners who are not only independent, but are also seen to be independent. This new panel must review all recent decisions in relation to assessment of Gunns’ pulp mill.

The Wilderness Society congratulates Mr Green for his career achievements and wishes Mr Green and Dr Raverty well in their post RPDC endeavours.