Labor supports jobs in regional Tasmania.  It is what we believe in and what we fight for. 

I am making it my priority to talk to workers in key industries in the regions including those in the timber industry.

Labor stands for jobs in regional communities and the timber industry is a key part of that.

I am pleased to be joined at Torenius Timber at Forcett today by Labor’s candidate for the Legislative Council seat of Prosser, Bryan Green; and Deputy Leader Anita Dow.

As the former Minister for Resources, Bryan has the experience and knowledge to work with the industry to protect jobs without reigniting the chaos and uncertainty of the forestry wars.  The industry doesn’t want another forest war, nor do Tasmanians. 

Regardless of what the Greens, JLN or the independents do in the new Parliament, Labor will continue to stand with the industry and the jobs it sustains.

My offer to Jeremy Rockliff is bipartisanship on forestry.  The industry has repeatedly said it does not want the reopen the forest wars, Labor agrees and that should be respected by the Premier. 

The best thing that could happen for the Bob Brown Foundation and the Greens is another forest war.  It would be the worst thing that could happen to these workers. 

The Liberal government needs to stop treating the industry as a political wedge and instead work with it and with Labor to ensure there is long-term certainty for jobs and the economy.

Dean Winter MP
Tasmanian Labor Leader