Gippsland › Latest news › Danny O'Brien MP
Andrews Labor government failed timber policy threatens significant job losses in Gippsland
The Andrews Labor government must act urgently to address the threat of significant job losses in Gippsland due to its failed timber policy.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien said Labor's failure to amend the timber code of practice had allowed legal action to effectively shut down the industry, threatening 300 jobs at Opal's Maryvale paper mill just weeks before Christmas. This is in addition to the harvest and haulage contractors currently stood down by VicForests and potential further job losses at Gippsland timber mills.
Labor can't sit idly by and ignore the results of his failure to amend timber code of practice that can leave Gippslanders jobless
Seeing the consequences
Mr O'Brien said these Gippsland job losses were the consequence of Labor's policy failure when it comes to the timber industry. "Labor has a deliberate policy to shut down the native timber industry and by virtue of its lack of action has allowed legal action to bring this policy forward."
"We are now seeing the disastrous consequences of this in the lack of timber supply to the Maryvale mill which is threatening up to 300 jobs. This is one of the manufacturing success stories we have in this state and yet Labor is sitting idly by and doing nothing." Mr O'Brien said.
Support for native timber industry
Mr O'Brien said with the government now re-elected and Ministers sworn in there was no excuse for a lack of action. "The government has a number of options available to it including legislation and changes to the timber code of practice but so far it has been silent. Labor can't sit idly by and let these jobs go and pretend it is someone else's problem."
"The people of Gippsland made very clear their support for the native timber industry by backing The Nationals' position to overturn the ban on native timber harvesting by electing Nationals members in Morwell, Gippsland South and Gippsland East."
"The result in Morwell should be a wake-up call for a Labor Party that once used to care about blue collar workers' jobs. It now has the opportunity to step in and support the workers at Maryvale and others in the timber industry around our region. It only needs the political will to do it." Mr O'Brien said.
Pictures from Liberals for Macedon Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
Community feedback needed for East Gippsland Shire Council Draft 2024/25 Budget by 29 May 2024Fresh food tax criticised by industry as lack of clarity on payment and collection will harm families and farmers
Russell Broadbent seeks answers to 20% increase in cardiac arrests by advocating investigation to include vaccine mandates
East Gippsland Shire Council highlights telecommunications infrastructure when advocating over thirty goals for community resilience and development
Russell Broadbent addresses nationwide Covid injustices-rights breaches, lockdowns, mandates and waste of $577B on vaccine and tests
Students from Orbost Community College tour East Gippsland Water facilities to learn about water safety, filtration and potential careers
Drouin wastewater treatment plant instals Australia's largest floating solar array of 644 panels as part of Gippsland Water renewable energy plan
Gippsland Water aids Wellington Mint-bush conservation through genetic research to increasing numbers and diversity
Latrobe City Council launches 'International Connections' book to celebrate 20-year anniversary of sister city agreements
Metung Bowls Club celebrates green upgrade with $200,000 grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria on 14 April 2024