Release Date: 13/02/2012
Tasmania’s peak employer body, the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce
and Industry (TCCI) has joined members of Tasmania’s Upper House in
condemning the actions of extreme environmentalists that have resulted in
the loss of jobs at timber processor Ta Ann’s Tasmanian operation.
TCCI Chief Executive Robert Wallace said the loss of jobs at Ta Ann’s
Smithton and Huon rotary peeling mills was a direct result of
environmental groups sabotaging the company’s overseas markets.
Mr Wallace said all Tasmanians should be aware that these groups, in this
case principally the Huon Valley Environment Centre and Markets for
Change had directly thrown Tasmanians out of work.
“This is economic and social vandalism on behalf of the extreme
environmentalists, and is un-Australian.
“It is doubly galling that one of the leaders of this campaign to destroy
Tasmanian jobs is former parliamentarian Peg Putt, who for many years
benefitted at the cost of Tasmanian taxpayers.
“TCCI calls on all our political leaders, including the Greens, to condemn
this destructive activity and work to protect Tasmanian jobs.”
Mr Wallace said the TCCI noted the comments today from the majority of
Legislative Councillors and supported the MPs sentiments.
“There is little hope of achieving a settlement in the Tasmanian forest
debate while these hard-core and callous environmentalists continue to
destroy the jobs of hard-working Tasmanians.
“Tasmania must stand up and reject this un-Australian activity and join
together to develop and protect a sustainable forest industry,” Mr Wallace
said.
Contact: Robert Wallace, telephone 0457 363 600