The time has come for Will Hodgman to stand up for West Coast

Labor Leader Bryan Green today urged the State Government to finally stand up for the West Coast and back multi-million investment and crucial jobs for the region.

“The Tasmanian Liberals have a golden opportunity to show they really care about the West Coast by supporting new jobs right now in the wake of the Mt Lyell mine closure,” Mr Green said.

Mr Green renewed calls for the $16 million promised to Cadbury in the Federal Budget to be immediately redirected to the West Coast after it was revealed this week the money was not guaranteed to the company.

“Senator Eric Abetz admitted this week there isn’t even a business case to hand over the money to Cadbury and said taxpayers’ money should not be wasted.

“I can assure Senator Abetz the money wouldn’t be wasted by helping the West Coast get back on its feet and Will Hodgman should be telling him the same.

“Instead of rolling over and getting his tummy tickled by Tony Abbott and Abetz whenever Tasmania needs a strong advocate, Will Hodgman needs to stand up and shake some sense into his Federal Liberal colleagues.”

In Queenstown this weekend, Mr Green said there is no way Cadbury needs the $16 million more than the West Coast.

Mr Green said State Labor had indicated it would support adding $4 million of State funding to the $16 million as part of its West Coast Revival vision paper. (http://issue.com/tasmanianlabor/docs/west_coast_revivall)
Mr Green also called on Mr Hodgman to “get in and fight” to save a $200 million wind farm proposed for Granville Harbour near Zeehan.

“This project is now at serious risk because Tony Abbott is looking to either wind back or abolish the RET following the outcome this week of its review of the scheme.

“This project would create 200 jobs during construction. It is too good an opportunity to miss for the West Coast but we haven’t heard so much as a whimper from Mr Hodgman.

“As Premier of this State, Mr Hodgman must do whatever it takes to convince Tony Abbott not to scrap the RET or at the very least ensure Tasmania is quarantined from any changes.

“I bet he hasn’t even sought those assurances.

“All we ever see from Mr Hodgman is feigned indignation whenever Tasmania is attacked by his Federal Liberal colleagues.

“He should get on the next plane to Canberra and face off with Tony Abbott and not come back without rock solid assurances that Tasmania will be treated fairly.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader