The State and Federal Government must ensure the $20 million investment fund to aid the North West economy announced today is well targeted, distributed expediently and not used as a Labor Party election slush fund.
Tasmanian Liberal Senator Richard Colbeck welcomed the funding saying it could alleviate some of the major social and economic difficulties expected as a result of the closure of the Burnie and Wesley Vale paper mills next year.
“It is critical this funding is injected into the community as soon as is possible without compromising the integrity of the application process,” Senator Colbeck said.
“With a State election in March and a Federal election also expected next year there is a real possibility this $20 million could turn into a Labor Party election slush fund with Labor Party candidates using funding announcements for photo opportunities as part of their campaigns.
“Premier Bartlett and Federal Minister Kim Carr must ensure the assessment and distribution process for these funds is kept at arm’s length from the Labor Party’s election campaigns.
“An independent advisory committee with local input may be appropriate to conduct the assessment of funding applications.
“Of critical importance also is that this funding is dispensed as quickly as possible.
“It would be of no use to any North West employees or businesses if at least part of the funding is not rolled out before the mills close, starting in March.
“The Rudd Labor Government can’t afford to go slow on this initiative as it has with the Pulp and Paper Industry Group it announced in March this year.
“Despite claims a final report would be delivered in June, six months later we are still awaiting the report let alone actions arising from the report,” Senator Colbeck said.
SENATOR THE HON RICHARD COLBECK Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Senator for Tasmania
