Paul Harris tricky and deceitful over Forestry payment

Labor Leader Bryan Green today accused Resources Minister Paul Harris of lying to Tasmanians over providing taxpayer’s funds to prop up Forestry Tasmania.

“No amount of weasel words from Mr Harris can hide the truth,” Mr Green said.

“The Liberals are being tricky and deceitful and what’s even worse is that Mr Harris thinks he can get away with it.

Mr Green said Labor has always been up front about the need to provide Forestry Tasmania with financial assistance to ensure it remains viable.

“What Mr Harris and the Liberals are doing is scandalous.

“Mr Harris has repeatedly told the Parliament and Tasmanians that no taxpayers’ money would be used to subsidise Forestry Tasmania and that is clearly not true.

“Taking $30 million from TasNetworks and paying it to Forestry Tasmania as an equity injection is a Government subsidy in anyone’s language.

“Whether that money comes from consolidated revenue or a government business is irrelevant because it’s all taxpayers’ money.

“The money from TasNetworks would normally be paid as a dividend to the government to help fund essential services like teachers, nurses and police.

“The Liberals must acknowledge the truth if they are to maintain any skerrick of credibility.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader