• Commercial-in-Confidence Provisions prevent Paul Harris revealing the true state of Tasmanian Times’ financial situation, but Mr Harris remains confident Tasmanian Times will return to full profitability soon …
The Hodgman Liberal Government’s Plan to keep (Tasmanian Times) in the (media) industry has been a resounding success with at least (1) regional (media) now staying in Tasmania, securing (at least 1 job).
The original Labor-Green (media) package was used to shamefully buy (media) out and make them exit the industry. In stark contrast, this Government is using that same fund to not only retain jobs, but create more, and all without putting in any extra money.
In the case of (Tasmanian Times) … this scheme has not only protected jobs at the (media) but will allow the operators to put on more staff.
(Tasmanian Times) was one of the (media) who took a deferred exit package under the Labor-Green Government after they shut down the industry, forced Tasmanians out of a job and deprived the private sector of processing options and local markets.
In stark contrast, this Government offered (media) a choice – take the money and leave or take just a portion of it and stay and help us rebuild the industry.
(Tasmanian Times) is doing exactly that, staying in the industry and I’m pleased to announce that the operators have won an open tender process to secure supply of an additional 6000 m3 of high quality (Media Releases) per year for at least the next five years.
This is excellent news and a good win for … Tasmania. By building the capacity of (media), like (Tasmanian Times), we are growing the industry from the ground up.
(Tasmanian Times) already employs around (1 and a bit) people and winning the tender gives them security to invest in and continue to grow their business.
Managing Director, (Lindsay Tuffin) says winning the tender gives the business better certainty of supply.
“We’re planning to purchase some new equipment and we might possibly need more people – up to (at least 1) more people,” said (Mr Tuffin).
(Mendicant GBE) ran the competitive tender process after previous contracts were surrendered. The Tender was open to all local industry participants including existing (media) customers, in an open, competitive and transparent process.
To date four (media) have taken the Structural Adjustment Buyback program with another four opting for the Low Level Commercial Processing option. Decisions on the remaining (media) are expected to be finalised this week.
We are now heading in the right direction to reverse the Labor-Green damage and rebuild the industry by securing these (media) and keeping that capacity in the market.
The Liberal Government has a plan and we are implementing our Plan – unlike Labor who still have no policy, no plan and no credibility.
• Paul Harriss: Government keeps regional sawmillers in state
