Standing up for our productive industries in Canberra

The Tasmanian Government has strongly advocated for the State’s forestry and mining industries in Canberra this week, progressing a new forestry agreement and pushing for faster federal project approvals.

Leading a delegation of Government and industry representatives, Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Felix Ellis, said the Tasmanian Government was working to secure a clear, workable pathway ahead of Federal Government changes to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation framework in 2027.

“We back our sustainable forestry industry, the Tasmanians it employs and the products it produces,” Minister Ellis said.

“The Regional Forestry Agreement has worked very well for Tasmania, and we want to see this continue under a new bilateral agreement.

“We met with key Federal Ministers to advocate for an agreement that recognises the State’s world-class Forest Management System, maintains a single regulator, and avoids unnecessary duplication.

“We’re seeking concrete assurance that the Tasmanian timber industry will be no worse off because of these changes.”

The delegation also raised concerns about delays in federal approvals for major mining projects, slowing investment and creating uncertainty for industry.

“Projects that would be transformational for the Tasmanian economy are being held up by lengthy and unclear approval processes,” Minister Ellis said.

“We need a system that delivers timely decisions and gives businesses the confidence to invest.”