Statement by TCCI Chairman Troy Harper
Tasmania’s peak employer body, the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) says the withdrawal of the Richard Chandler Corporation’s investment in Gunns Limited is another blatant example of the Greens quest to destroy Tasmanian investment, the economy and jobs.
TCCI Chairman Troy Harper said the Chandler Corporation’s decision was a direct result of the Greens’ threats and the intervention and comments of Nick McKim, Bob Brown and their cohorts.
“Their performance in this is an absolute disgrace, disloyal and destructive, and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms,” Mr Harper said.
“Tasmania has no future under the Greens influence. These are people who want to destroy our economy and the employment prospects of Tasmanians for their own selfish aims.”
Mr Harper said the Gunns pulp mill offered Tasmania unprecedented investment, growth and jobs. Its design would make it the cleanest pulp mill in the world and it would process only plantation timber.
“Yet it is being threatened by this self-interested minority who are only intent on bringing Tasmania to its knees.
“Tasmanian business calls on our national government and national business leaders to wake up and take notice of what is happening in our state.
“Today it is the Tasmanian forest industry under attack. As sure as night follows day, it will be the coal and mining industry next and aquaculture, agriculture and any other industry the Greens decide they do not want. It will not only impact on Tasmania, but throughout Australia.
“If any further evidence was needed, this decision by the Chandler Corporation following on from the Greens destructive and falsely-based attacks on export markets clearly demonstrates that they are destroying investment and with it any hope of economic and employment growth.
“It is time for Tasmania and indeed Australia to wake up and end the influence of this destructive minority,” Mr Harper said.
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Contact: Troy Harper, 0438 583 212