Ross Hampton
South Australia’s forest industries should be optimistic following the election of a new State Government over the weekend. The SA Liberal Party has committed key policies that will have a positive impact on forest industries as they’re implemented. Source: Timberbiz
“The Liberals were ranked highly by AFPA SA before the election as likely to deliver positive policies for our forest industries,” said Ross Hampton, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Forest Products Association.
“Most importantly the SA Liberals have committed to work on measures to facilitate the expansion of the plantation estate and enhance growth in South Australian timber manufacturing,” he said.
According to the SA Liberals policy document, a Marshall Liberal Government will work to deliver the target of doubling the economic value of the domestic timber manufacturing sector by 2050 by creating the right environment for businesses to thrive and support job creation.
“AFPA SA is delighted the Liberals have adopted our policy. The Liberals have also committed to working with industry to create a South Australian Forestry Council, which would meet regularly with the Minister, thereby creating a direct link between government and industry, as well as working towards increasing the use of timber products in government procurement,” said Mr Hampton.
“The new government also has policies in energy, R&D, bushfire mitigation and skilled workers, which all have the potential to be beneficial for our forest industries.
“AFPA SA will work with the new State Government to ensure SA forest industries are listened to and that their needs are met. We also congratulate Independent Troy Bell who has been elected in the forestry-focused seat of Mount Gambier, as well as Liberal Nick McBride who has been elected in the neighbouring seat of MacKillop. The result in the seat of Mawson, which is also home to key forestry operations is still being determined.
“AFPA SA carried out an important role during the election campaign, making sure all candidates in key electorates as well as topline decision-makers were aware of what our forest industries need to thrive into the future. That advocacy will now move to the next phase, holding the government, independents and minor parties to account,” Mr Hampton said.
And still on the political front, the second term of the Hodgman Government in Tasmania sees Parliamentary Secretaries, Sarah Courtney and Roger Jaensch elevated to Cabinet.
Will Hodgman
Courtney takes the Primary Industries and Water portfolio, along with Racing, while Jaensch is now the Minister for Human Services, Housing and Planning.
Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockcliff in losing Primary Industries, takes over Infrastructure from former Minister Rene Hidding, who will now become the Government’s nomination for Speaker.
Elsewhere, Elise Archer is promoted from Minister for Justice, to also Attorney-General, while the Premier takes over the Parks portfolio, joining his other ministries of Tourism, Hospitality and Events, Heritage and Trade.
Treasurer, Peter Gutwein retains both his State Growth and Local Government portfolios, while Michael Ferguson continues as Minister for Health, Science and Technology, as well as being handed Police, Fire and Emergency.
Former Human Services Minister Jacquie Petrusma loses this portfolio, but retains Disability Services and Community Development, while also gaining Aboriginal Affairs to join her other portfolios as Minister for Women as well as Sport and Recreation.
Resources and Energy Minister Guy Barnett regains these portfolios as well as Building and Construction and adds Veterans Affairs.
Guy Barnett
Former Speaker Mark Shelton becomes Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development as well as being nominated as Chair of Committees.
Newly elected former Hobart Lord Mayor, Sue Hickey is now Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Urban Development.
