The Tasmanian Greens said that the Infrastructure Minister David O’Byrne appeared to be ignoring a tripartisan vote of Parliament calling for a formal investigation and report into the challenges in the Tasmanian freight logistics chain.
In State Parliament, Greens Transport spokesperson Tim Morris MP today asked the Minister to provide a progress report on the investigation, which was called for in a Greens motion that received tripartisan backing in March this year.
“In March the House passed a tripartite motion in relation to freight logistics calling for an investigation and a report to Parliament on the difficulties in the current shipping arrangements for containers,” Mr Morris said.
“When asked for a progress report, it appeared the Minister had completely ignored the motion which he himself supported.”
“This not only shows disappointing lack of regard for the institutions of Parliament, but for the many businesses who rely on freight and who would benefit by having clearer picture of the current challenges facing the sector.”
“It’s clear that the efficiency of the whole logistics chain in Tasmania needs to be examined thoroughly to identify options for cost reductions in getting products to and from markets interstate and overseas.”
“We need to pull together and find a long term solution which minimises the additional cost of freight, which is why the Greens are very pleased with the work being undertaken by the Bell Bay Industry Group.”
“We urge the Minister to now act in accordance with the motion as voted on in the House of Assembly.”
Text of Greens’ Motion passed with tripartite support in March:
Mr Morris to move—That the House:—
(1) Recognises that there is tripartite support for the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme, but notes growing calls for the scheme to be reviewed and reformed because of the transformation in our economy and the loss of the direct export shipping
service of containers;
(2) Notes that there have been changes to container shipping services that have left some freight exporters at a competitive disadvantage because of Bass Strait and that some of these should be considered for inclusion in the Scheme;
(3) Believes that there is a case to be made for consideration of the inclusion of both passengers and some air freight to be included in the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme;
(4) Calls on the Minister for Infrastructure to:—
(a) initiate a State formal consultation process with stakeholders; and
(b) produce a consultation draft report that details all the sectors that rely on crossing Bass Strait that are disadvantaged because of the extra expense that is unavoidable compared with the other States that would lead to a comprehensive request to the Australian Government to formally review the Scheme.
Tim Morris MP Greens Infrastructure Spokesperson Tuesday, 13 November 2012
