The Tasmanian Greens today welcomed the re-election of Neroli Ellis to the board of the Retirement Benefits Fund as a positive step toward ending the fund’s investment in tobacco companies.
Mr O’Halloran said that the Greens would be closely watching the outcome of next month’s RBF board meeting, where the issue is reportedly due to be discussed.
“The Greens congratulate Ms Ellis on her election to the RBF board, and welcome her commitment to continue the push to sever the fund’s financial links with in the tobacco industry,” Mr O’Halloran said.
“As one of the few board candidates to declare her support for an end to tobacco investments, the re-election of Ms Ellis is a good sign that RBF members support her stance.”
“While similar super funds around the country are dumping their tobacco investments in droves, our own state super fund still has about $27 million dollars in big tobacco.”
“Tobacco is not an ethical investment, and the Greens believe the RBF needs to consider the public health costs of providing financial support to the tobacco industry.”
Paul O’Halloran MP Greens Health Spoke4sperson Friday, 21 June 2013
