Across Australia, Labor Governments have shown time and time again that they are more than happy to sell out the forestry industry to appease the Greens. It happened in Tasmania under the job destroying Labor-Green forestry deal and it’s happening in Victoria under the Andrews Government.
The fact that major Victorian timber processor, Australian Sustainable Hardwoods, is looking to move its entire Heyfield operation to Tasmania is a vote of confidence in the Hodgman Government and our forestry policy. Make no mistake, there is absolutely no way this would even be considered under a Labor-Green Government.
The Hodgman Government would welcome with open arms any interstate forestry businesses considering moving their operations because they are sick and tired of dealing with Labor Governments dominated by vested interests.
While ultimately it would be a decision for the Heybridge mill operators, they can rest assured that the Hodgman Government would support any potential move to Tasmania. The question is, does newly appointed Labor leader, Rebecca White, support this move?