Liberals betray Tasmanian poppy farmers

Labor spokesman for Primary Industries David Llewellyn said today the State Liberals’ response to the Abbott Government’s betrayal of Tasmania’s poppy industry threatens hundreds of jobs and untold millions of dollars’ worth of future investment.

“Instead of rolling over and getting their tummies tickled by Tony Abbott and Senator Richard Colebeck on this critical issue, Will Hodgman and Jeremy Rockliff need to stand up and shake some sense into their Federal colleagues.

“Mr Rockliff knows all too well the serious threat this poses to our poppy industry and his weak response is cold comfort to Tasmanian farmers.

“How can Mr Rockliff claim as he did in Parliament today that a five-year implementation strategy to grow poppies anywhere in Australia is a ‘good outcome’ for Tasmania?

“The Liberal Coaltion’s decision to allow open slather on growing poppies will be a disaster for Tasmania’s primary industries sector.

“There should be an ongoing moratorium on growing poppies outside Tasmania until the full impact into the risks associated with security, health and safety and confidence in the industry are fully addressed.

“It may well seriously threaten current arrangements with the International Narcotics Control Board.

“Tasmania’s poppy farmers have pioneered this industry in Australia and fought long and hard to maintain it. They have been very badly let down.

“The best Mr Rockliff can say is that he made a strong case to Canberra, well that is just no good enough.

“This decision will cause irreparable damage to a $100 million-a-year industry; Mr Rockliff knows that yet he is prepared to roll over to his Liberal colleagues in Canberra.”
David Llewellyn MP Shadow Primary Industries Miniser