• Barnett ducking scrutiny
• No explanation of delayed $15 million for health
• Coupes must not be left stripped and barren
The Resource Minister has displayed a stunningly ignorant and reckless attitude to the sale of Tasmania’s plantation assets.
After flogging off the state’s plantation estate for $30 million less than it cost to establish, Guy Barnett was unwilling or unable to answer questions in Budget Estimates.
“The Liberals sold the farm and now Guy Barnett is ducking scrutiny,” Labor Shadow Minister for Resources Shane Broad said.
“First we had the astonishing claim that the $15 million dividend from the sale earmarked for health was delayed by a year because it ‘wasn’t needed’, despite the worsening health crisis.
“The Minister couldn’t explain why the Forestry Right was not registered until April this year, despite the fact the sale was supposed to have concluded in October last year.
“It appears the Government didn’t want the conditions of the sale ever seeing the light of day.
“Tasmanians need to be assured that the Minister has put in place protections to ensure our plantation estate is well managed into the future.
“The last thing we want is for plantations to be stripped and not regenerated appropriately.
“The Minister was not able to provide those reassurances during Budget estimates.”
Shane Broad MP Shadow Minister for Resources
