TFA bill’s biggest defenders … Premier Lara Giddings and Deputy Bryan Green
Tasmania’s Premier has warned Legislative Councillors against changing the key planks of the legislation to enact the forest peace deal.
The Legislative Council has voted to keep the peace deal alive, eight to six.
MLCs are now debating whether changes should be made.
Those who voted against the bill include Huon MLC Paul Harriss, the Liberal’s Vanessa Goodwin, Windermere MLC Ivan Dean, Independent Jim Wilkinson, Apsley’s Tania Rattray and Greg Hall, the member for the Western Tiers.
Adriana Taylor, the Independent MLC who is considered to hold the deciding vote on the bill, has criticised key aspects of the legislation.
But it is unclear how much she wants the bill changed.
The President of the Legislative Council has taken the rare move of stepping out of her seat to debate a piece of legislation.
Sue Smith has heavily criticised the peace deal process and the legislation to enact it.
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The Premier, Lara Giddings, says the Government will accept amendments agreed to by the industry and environmental groups who struck the peace deal.
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It is unclear when a final vote on the bill will be taken.
• Forest peace deal threatens statehood: Sue Smith
• Phill Pullinger, Terry Edwards: Significant Progress on Coupe Re-Scheduling
Andrew Denman, President, Tasmanian Special Timbers Alliance: TSTA is thankful that the Legislative Council is taking the time to consider amendments to the TFA bill that will ensure the future of one of Tasmania’s world renowned industry sectors. HERE
