The Tasmanian Greens said the state-based inquiry into botched forest contractor exit assistance packages would be an opportunity to continue the work of the Senate Inquiry, which had heard significant evidence that the program’s key objectives had not been met.

Greens Forestry spokesperson Kim Booth MP said that it was scandalous that, following on from the previously botched and rorted packages, there were concerns that much of the $44 million in public money had been torn up, with many contractors who should have received a payout being deemed ineligible.

“It was clear from the Senate Inquiry that exit didn’t mean exit for some of those who received payouts,” said Mr Booth.

“Evidence provided to the Senate Inquiry identified enough loopholes created by the Federal Minister in charge of implementing the grants package to drive a log truck straight through the middle of it.”

“The Senate Committee didn’t hold any sessions in Tasmania, which made it very difficult for Tasmanians to know what was going on.”

“We are looking forward to the opportunity to hold public hearings in the state where those who are directly affected by this botched scheme live and work.”

“Some businesses have taken millions of dollars in payouts and then passed their businesses onto family members at non commercial terms.”

“Worse still, a number of log trucks have had their jinkers removed and been converted into 10 yarders or had a turntable shoved onto them and been converted into a prime mover”

“These rigs are now cutting the guts out of civil and transport work and driving previously viable businesses to the wall because they cannot compete with someone who is essentially using free gear after receiving a payout.”

“If those overseeing the program don’t determine this to be non-compliance then clearly they didn’t make the guidelines tight enough.”

“The Tasmanian Greens have campaigned since 2005 for fair exit packages for contractors and a forestry industry that can stand on its own two feet but once again the millions of dollars of public money has been wasted and the industry is still in a mess”

Kim Booth MP Greens Forestry Spokesperson Wednesday, 24 July 2014