Tasmanian State Resources Minister Paul Harriss said that Forestry Tasmania would not receive any taxpayer subsidies in the new financial year. Source: The Examiner
“We expect that Forestry Tasmania will be able to balance the books on its commercial operations,” Mr Harriss told Parliament.
“As our plans kick in to grow the industry, Forestry Tasmania will eventually start returning profits to the taxpayers,” he said.
Mr Harriss said the state-owned company would not receive any government funds to prop it up from July 1, but it was unclear how much support the company has been receiving since the change of government.
Bass Greens MHA Kim Booth asked Premier Will Hodgman to ensure Forestry Tasmanian co-operated with a Senate inquiry examining the removal of 74,000 hectares from the Tasmanian World Heritage Area.
“In light of Forestry Tasmania’s non-appearance before the Senate committee hearings, it was then requested by the committee to provide forest data, but apparently this information has yet to arrive,” Mr Booth said.
Mr Hodgman said he would not direct Forestry Tasmania to participate in the inquiry.
“It is a matter for them as to whether they want to make those representations to that committee,” Mr Hodgman said.
