Liberal defector John Tucker lashes government over forestry contracts

Liberal defector John Tucker has dished up another generous serving of displeasure to his former party — this time over its handling of a logging contract. HIS VITRIOL >

Independent MP John Tucker speaks to the media on Parliament Lawns in Hobart on Wednesday, May 24, 2023.

Liberal defector John Tucker has dished up another generous serving of displeasure to his former party – this time over its handling of a logging contract.

Well-regarded local operators T.P Bennett and Sons missed out on a Sustainable Timber Tasmania haulage contract, which was instead given to a Victorian operator.

Resources Minister Felix Ellis on Tuesday said STT had suspended contracts until it could update him on how it was responding to the end of native forest logging in that state.

Mr Tucker said the local industry was in crisis and the government’s inept and lacklustre response was not helping.

“These companies, bolstered by close to one billion dollars paid to them by the Victorian government to stop logging their own forests, are wreaking havoc on Tasmanian contractors,” he said.

Independents Lara Alexander and John Tucker. Question time in the Tasmanian parliament. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“Fuelled by the funds they have already secured, thanks to Dan Andrews and Victorian taxpayers, they are engaging in predatory pricing, undercutting Tasmanian businesses, and forcing them out of operation.

Mr Tucker said Resources Minister Felix Ellis was not doing enough to help the industry.

“The inept response of Minister Ellis is not only disheartening but also a stark display of incompetence. While six precious weeks slipped away, from my first question in parliament on May 31, 2023, until today, government inaction has afforded Victorian companies the time to undercut Tasmanian competitors and jeopardise an entire industry. Such a lackadaisical approach is unacceptable, especially considering the significant impact it has on the livelihoods of hardworking Tasmanians.

“Rumours are circulating that the Premier is contemplating a cabinet reshuffle. Given the incompetence displayed by Minister Ellis, and the utter disregard shown for the forestry industry, it is not difficult to understand why he is considering a reshuffle.

Mr Ellis said he had asked for Sustainable Timber to update him on what tenders had been granted.

“I have asked Sustainable Timber Tasmania to provide urgent advice on how the Tasmanian Government can best support our forestry industry in the wake of Dan Andrew’s decision to slam the door shut on their native forest sector,” he said.

“While I await this advice, STT will not release any further harvest and transport tenders.”