STAND UP TO THE BEVERAGE BULLIES, MINISTER WIGHTMAN

The Tasmanian Greens are calling on the Attorney General, Brian Wightman, to take a stand against corporate bullying and seek legal advice on how Tasmania can fend off the food and beverage industry’s attack on container deposit schemes.

Greens Environment spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP said Tasmania should not be intimidated by the beverage industry’s bullying in the Northern Territory, and should to be prepared for similar anti-democratic tactics following the introduction of a state-based CDS.

“The court decision was a blow to democracy in the Northern Territory, but it’s not an excuse for Tasmania’s Environment Minister to roll over and play dead on cash for containers,” Ms O’Connor said.

“The Northern Territory Chief Minister has vowed to fight this decision, which sends a strong message to governments across Australia not to be intimidated by anti-democratic corporate bullying.”

“Mr Wightman should take a leaf from former Attorney General, Nicola Roxon’s, book. She was applauded around the nation for standing up to the thuggery and shameless self-interest of the tobacco industry on plain packaging.

“This is an opportunity for Mr Wightman to prove to Tasmanians that he’s prepared to stand up against corporate bullies in the interests of the environment and jobs.”

“This legal case is a shocking example of bully-boy corporates attempting to protect vested financial interests, against the interests of the community and the environment”

“Mr Wightman has already committed to a feasibility study into a state-based container deposit scheme, so as Attorney General he should now be seeking legal advice around state rights regarding a container deposit scheme.”
Cassy O’Connor MP Greens Environment Spokesperson Wednesday, 6 March 2013