TASKFORCE MUST BE TRI-PARTITE

All Ideas Needed to Assist N-W Community

www.tas.greens.org.au
The Tasmanian Greens today reiterated their call that the taskforce originally set up in response to McCain closing its Smithton factory must include representatives of both Opposition parties, especially should the government move to expand the taskforce’s focus to include the Paperlinx mills situation.

Greens Leader Nick McKim MP said that with the disappointing news that 252 people will lose their jobs over the next few months in light of Paperlinx’ decision to close the Wesley Vale mill and parts of the Burnie mill, the north-west community deserves all ideas available to be utilised.

“The Bartlett government’s decision to politicise the McCain Taskforce by deliberately excluding the two Opposition parties was bitterly disappointing decision that did not prioritise the interests of the community, and now that the north-west has received a second blow with the confirmed closure of the Paperlinx operations Labor must rethink its position and invite both the Greens and the Liberals to help,” Mr McKim said.

“If there was ever a time when all three political parties should work together to try and deliver outcomes for the north west community, it is now.”

“The interests and needs of the 200 workers and their families at Smithton, the 252 employees who work across the Wesley Vale paper mill and the Burnie mill must be put before the self-interest of the Labor government.”

“Premier David Bartlett is on the record stating that he does not have a mortgage on all good ideas, and now is a good opportunity for him to prove that by recognising that the 450-plus north west workers deserve all the help they can get, and act to remove the politics from the situation by including representatives of both Opposition parties on the Taskforce.”
Nick McKim MP Greens Leader