The Tasmanian Greens today accused Treasurer Michael Aird of misleading Tasmanians over the details of his taxpayer-funded trip to Europe, after the Treasurer revealed that instead of attending a single meeting on behalf of Gunns, as he told Tasmanians before his departure, he actually attended a series of meetings as well as touring a number of pulp mills. [1]

Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said with Tasmania’s Treasurer travelling around the world in his attempts to lure a financial backer for Gunns’ pulp mill, it is obvious that Gunns themselves are still a long way away from obtaining finance for their proposed mill.

“Treasurer Aird did a lot more spruiking on Gunns’ behalf than he told us he would before he left, and he should come clean about the details of his trip, as well as the total cost to taxpayers,” said Mr McKim.

“The government should do Tasmanians a favour and put the pulp mill out of its misery rather than throwing it yet another taxpayer funded lifeline.”

“So now we’ve had taxpayer’s money spent on a secretive mission despite Premier Bartlett’s personal commitment that government support for the project would end. What on earth will we see next?”

“The more this government tries to change its spots, the more it reminds me of the bad old days under Paul Lennon’s leadership.”

“With the Treasurer now active in the desperate search for pulp mill finance, it is increasingly obvious that Gunns are still a fair way off having the funds they need.”

Mr McKim also called on the Treasurer to provide more clarity about the mystery project that he originally claimed was the real reason for his trip.

“The Treasurer has flagged government support for any new project, so surely he should at least reveal the industry sector that is in play, which cannot possibly have any commercial confidence issues.”

Reference:

[1] “While in Europe, Mr Aird also will meet potential financiers of the Gunns pulp mill proposal. Mr Aird’s involvement in the meeting was requested by Gunns.”

[Excerpt, “Overseas Jobs Mission,” Media Release, Treasurer Michael Aird, 15 Sep 2009,
http://www.media.tas.gov.au/release.php?id=27823, emphasis added.]
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader