A response to the Mercury story: Bid to punish protesters, here
Forest Deal Must Build Trust
There would be few Tasmanians who are not heartily sick and tired of the Forestry debate. It’s been dragging on for years and we’re all battle weary.
At first glance the Agreement recently struck has appeal; it appears to be a trade off whereby the industry downsizes in exchange for peace in the industry and its markets, and the environment movement gets reserves; it appears to be supported by the majority of Timber Industry stakeholders and the lead players from within the environmental movement.
BUT……The Legislation that the Legislative Council is being asked to review DOES NOT reflect the Agreement that has been signed. In my view it is flawed and must be amended to make it workable.
All Tasmanians (not just the listed stakeholders) are being asked to give up into reserves a valuable State resource on the promise that some will not disrupt forest operations in the areas outside the reserves.
It would be unwise to give the kidnapper the ransom before you get the baby back – you need proof of life before negotiating!
The law needs to make sure that the promised peace in the industry and its markets is delivered.
The legislation, Should hold all the parties to account in a three stage process:
Step 1 – a temporary protection of identified forest reserves,
Step 2 – demonstrated peace in the industry and its markets, and
Step 3 – once condition 2 has been demonstrated, the permanent removal from clear fell logging of the identified reserves.
In an environment of mistrust, a “give a bit, get a bit” demonstration of trust is needed.
