Private foresters vindicated in forestry bill turmoil

Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association chief executive Jan Davis welcomed the Government’s move to delay further debate on the Tasmanian Forests Agreement Bill but called on it to go one step further and withdraw the Bill altogether.

“Government Leader Craig Farrell’s decision to take the legislation off the Legislative Council’s agenda bears out what we have been saying right from the beginning – this is a flawed Bill resulting from a flawed process,” Ms Davis said.

“The Government abrogated its responsibilities to the overall Tasmanian community by delegating the negotiation of the agreement to industry and environmental groups. It attempted to bully a deficient Bill through Parliament with no concern for the consequences, or the implications for the wider community.

“Regardless of one’s view on the forestry issue, this whole disastrous mismanagement demonstrates the value of, and need for, an independent Upper House in Tasmania. Without them, this travesty would have become law overnight.

“Farmers throughout the state salute the Upper House MPs, including Mr Farrell, but condemn this appalling episode of governance,” Ms Davis said.
Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association chief executive Jan Davis