On 25 July 2013 it was reported that Tasmania’s forest industry had received one quarter of a $100 million forest peace deal fund to diversify the state’s economy ( ABC, here ).
I was also particularly concerned to find that:
1. Ta Ann will receive $7.5 million for a plywood mill in the state’s north-west which it promised to fund and build itself if State Parliament passed the forest peace deal legislation
http://www.parliament.tas.gov.au/CTEE/Council/Transcripts/28%20February%202013%20-%20Hobart%20-%20afternoon%20session.pdf
2. Dorset Renewable Industries group will receive the $2.8 million it wanted to bid on the former Gunns Ling Siding timber processing site
http://www.examiner.com.au/story/1663332/100m-rescue-package-allotted-to-state/?cs=95
3. Clarence City Council will receive $5 million to rejuvenate Kangaroo Bay near Rosny Park without even making an application under the programme
http://www.examiner.com.au/story/1663505/north-short-changed-in-cash-splash/?cs=95
4. Oak Industries will receive $4 million despite vociferously opposing the Tasmanian Forest Agreement
http://www.parliament.tas.gov.au/ctee/Council/Submissions/Sub%2016%20-%20OAK%20Tasmania.pdf
I therefore requested further information under the Freedom of Information Act and the documentation which I recently received is attached HERE:
Download:
FOI_14-38_-_signed_statement_of_reasons.pdf
Due to technical issues the heavily redacted 56 pages Documents for Release is currently unable to be embedded in the article. However the 8MB pdf document can be freely downloaded by clicking on the following link:
https://jumpshare.com/v/gsGWHVS9ov5evFGDSRm6?b=RvwW4Ews1xMY8QyQtN7M
Unfortunately the documents are heavily redacted and much of the information I requested has been considered to be exempt as applications for funding were purportedly submitted in confidence.
However I have a requested a review of the decision and will provide any further detail that is made available.
In the meantime I have reproduced my request below together with my assessment of the disclosure provided in the documents:
1. The criteria for the assessment of the projects – disclosed that economic diversification of the Tasmanian economy is a key priority and projects should benefit the Tasmanian economy or communities
2. A complete list and full details of all the applications including those which were unsuccessful – disclosed only very brief summary of successful applications, no details disclosed on unsuccessful applications
3. How the applications were rated against the criteria – no details disclosed
4. The persons who assessed the applications – disclosed to be Federal Ministers Catherine King and Anthony Albanese/Tasmanian Minister David O’Byrne
5. The person(s) who was responsible for the final funding decisions – disclosed to be Prime Ministers Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd
6. Details of any terms and conditions associated with the payments – disclosed to be subject to value for money assessments for each element following announcements and formal legislative protection of new reserves as specified in the Tasmanian Forest Agreement (TFA) but no further details disclosed
7. Funding programme/schedule – disclosed that funding for Tasmanian Jobs and Growth Plan contingent upon formal legislative protection of new reserves as specified in TFA but no further details disclosed
8. Details of how the recipients of funds will be monitored/audited to ensure compliance with programme requirements – no details disclosed
I understand that the Minister nowresponsible for the assessment and distribution of the funds is Warren Truss together with his deputy Jamie Briggs whose latest media release on the matter was issued on 26 November 2013.
http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/
http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/jb/releases/2013/November/jb012_2013.aspx
