The Minister for Infrastructure, David O'Byrne today said the Liberals' complete hypocrisy and lack of understanding over issues around the Triabunna woodchip mill had been exposed in Parliament.

 

Mr O'Byrne said today Will Hodgman was stating that Tasport's lease with the mill was the reason the mill had not resumed operating.

 

"Yet just a few months ago, the Liberals were demanding the State Government interfere in negotiations to have the lease transfer agreed to.

 

"In October 2011, Peter Gutwein issued a media statement stating that without the lease, the mill could not open.

 

"Now, they're saying that it's because of the lease that the mill can't open.

 

"The fact is, the State Government wants to see this mill operating and exporting woodchips - but this is a privately owned mill.

 

"The Liberals have shown again that they have absolutely no capacity to understand the challenges facing the forestry industry.

 

"They stick their heads in the sand, pretend there's no problems, and adopt completely contrary views just months apart," Mr O'Byrne said.