TFGA says no Russian roulette with shipping

The protest action at Melbourne’s Station Pier was now potentially serious for Tasmanian producers and consumers, Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association chief executive Jan Davis said today.

“With much of our agricultural produce being exported either to the mainland or overseas, the TT Line is a vital trade link for Tasmanian farmers and other primary producers. Farmers and fishermen have millions of dollars of produce at risk,” Ms Davis said.

“At this time of year, quite a bit of fresh produce also comes into Tasmania on the TT-Line. By week’s end, if this is not resolved, we could be in serious trouble. We cannot have the situation where we play Russian roulette with perishable goods, not knowing if they are going to be delivered. With no certainty, we lose markets.

“We cannot have the Tasmanian community and farmers held hostage in this way, regarded simply as collateral damage in an industrial dispute.

“We urge all parties to take whatever steps are necessary to resolve the dispute as a matter of urgency. In the meantime, we’ll be working with the Tasmanian government to examine emergency measures to get our fresh produce across the strait.”
TFGA chief executive Jan Davis