Forestry Union welcomes intergovernmental agreement on Tasmanian forestry

Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) National Secretary Michael O’Connor has welcomed today’s signing of the intergovernmental agreement on the Tasmanian forestry industry, including $25 million for immediate training and employment support for redundant forestry workers.

“Today’s signing is an important building block in the rebuilding of Tasmania’s forestry industry and the Tasmanian economy.”

“However it is worth remembering though that there is still a long way to go.”

Mr. O’Connor called for sustained political support from the Tasmanian and Federal Governments for the ongoing process of transitioning the industry.

“All the signatories to the Statement of Principles, the environmental non government organisations, the employers and the union and well as governments – all those who can contribute to this transitioning, should continue to do so.”

“From our point of view, we would like to call for those not yet on board with this process, notably the Greens leader Bob Brown and the Liberal’s leader Will Hodgeman, to reconsider their positions.”

“Their refusal to accept this groundbreaking attempt to resolve long standing differences and transition our industry so as to improve Tasmania’s economy is not helpful to anyone involved or affected.”

“With today’s signing our forestry products industry in Tasmania will now have a chance to grow, but only if we all continue to support the statement of principles in full.”

Mr. O’Connor said the Intergovernmental agreement signed today will be voted on by the membership of the Union via a Australian Electoral Commission managed ballot of members in the industry across Tasmania, in the next few weeks.