AIRD’S PULP MILL BLINKERS HIDE REAL OPPORTUNITIES

Should Have Met ICT Companies to Leverage NBN Rollout

The Tasmanian Greens today accused Treasurer Michael Aird of missing opportunities for Tasmania during his overseas trip by failing to meet with companies who specialise in fibre-compatible hardware and the provision of online services.

Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said that the Federal government’s NBN rollout will provide massive opportunities for Tasmania to deliver health and education services into Tasmanian homes and classrooms, and that Mr Aird has missed them due to his focus on spruiking for Gunns.

“Fibre can revolutionise the way we deliver health and education to Tasmanians, and the government needs to make every post a winner rather than taking its eye off the ball as Mr Aird has done,” Mr McKim said.

“Rather than going spruiking for a 20th century pulp mill, Mr Aird should have met with cutting edge ICT companies that can play a role in transitioning Tasmania into the 21st century, and a truly clean, green, clever and creative future.”

“Many European countries are home to companies that specialise in the kind of opportunities in health and education that would be a perfect fit for a highly connected Tasmania, and would have been perfect for Mr Aird to visit.”

“The pulp mill has been acting as a giant pair of blinkers on this government for years, and this time has blinded Mr Aird to the massive opportunities in the ICT sector.”

“We have a few months advantage over the rest of the country due to the NBN rollout timetable, but we have to be proactive rather than resting on our laurels.”
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader