Rene Hidding in denial over fresh freight capacity

Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding is in complete denial over the lack of capacity for fresh freight on Bass Strait because he has no answers.

“Mr Hidding has resorted to attacking the TFGA and Tasmanian producers who have expressed concern over shipping fresh freight out of the State,” Shadow Infrastructure Minister Craig Farrell said.

“Instead of shooting the messenger, Mr Hidding should be working with stakeholders to get a solution.

“Mr Hidding continues to show no urgency over the challenges facing Tasmanian exporters despite all his political bluster in the past.

“Tasmania’s sea freight crisis (is) one of the biggest issues facing the State.” Rene Hidding August 3, 2013.

“Stakeholders are all saying there is a problem yet Mr Hidding still refuses to even acknowledge it.

“On what basis does he assert that fresh freight from Tasmanian producers is not at risk of getting to market?

“We are in the middle of the peak season for fresh freight exporters and with tonnages increasing the problem is only going to get worse if the Government fails to act.”

This is what Rene Hidding previously had to say:

“Freight is at the forefront of the minds of everybody in Tasmanian business. They are wondering why so many jobs are being lost in industries such as the apple industry, onion industry and in all fresh food production. They are wondering why the issue of Tasmanian freight keeps coming up. It is because the price has become so astronomical and unaffordable for the Tasmanain economy.” Rene Hidding, November 13, 2012.

“Tasmanians are sick of hearing excuses and the blame game being played by the Liberals instead of the Government taking responsibility,” Mr Farrell said.
Craig Farrell, MLC Shadow Infrastructure Minister