TASMANIAN AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WITH GREEN GROUPS SECRETLY LOBBYING WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE

Mr Guy Barnett State Liberal Lyons candidate has condemned the secret lobbying of the World Heritage Committee in Cambodia by the Tasmanian and Federal governments together with the Tasmanian Wilderness Society and other green groups.

“They are trying to overturn the draft decision of the World Heritage Committee which rejects the listing of a further 172,500 hectares of Tasmania because of a lack of consultation.

“Our taxpayer money is being used for the governments’ lobbying effort behind closed doors. It is an outrage. All this is being done without even advising the Tasmanian public.

“People are incensed to know that the public are not asked their opinion, are not consulted and certainly no consent has been given. It is a shocking abuse of process that demonstrates contempt for Tasmanians and especially those impacted by the listing.

“The Federal and Tasmanian governments are said to have at least six representatives in Cambodia and the Tasmanian Wilderness Society has 7 representatives while other green groups are also represented.

“What is the total cost to the taxpayer for these secret meetings?

“If they say there has been consultation then that is wrong.

“The Labor Government is literally crawling and smooching all over the greens behind closed doors in a bed of deceit,” said Mr Barnett.

The Committee is set to make its final decision later this week.

Mr Barnett has written to Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke and asked that the nomination be withdrawn.
Guy Barnett State Liberal Candidate for Lyons www.guybarnett.com