Dr WOODRUFF – The State of the Environment report that was released just last week shows how terrible the environment has deteriorated under a decade of Liberal policies. One of the greatest threats to the survival of key endemic Tasmanian species is the removal of habitat through native forest logging. Your election policy was to go into an additional 39,000 hectares of future forest reserves. These are high conservation forests that were protected for their outstanding high conservation values. After the State of the Environment report, which was a failure for Tasmania’s environment, are you going to reconsider this plan? If you didn’t reconsider it, it would be seen as a science‑denying policy position on your government’s part.
Mr ABETZ – The premise of your question, with respect, Leader of the Greens, is rejected. We do forestry in a way that is the envy of the world. We do forestry in a sustainable manner. In relation to that which we took to the election, might I remind you, was that we would look at opening up what has been described as the ‘wood bank’ to see what extra harvesting can take place subject to certain conditions. That is what we are doing and are undertaking in a methodical manner.
Dr WOODRUFF – I’m not surprised. I’m saddened on behalf of Tasmanians, but they wouldn’t expect any less from you. You didn’t even attend to the question, which was about the reality of the State of the Environment report and what it said about the impact of native forest logging on the removal of habitat for species. Given that you’re not changing your position, can you please tell us, if you’re successful in converting 39,000 hectares of high conservation value FPPF forests, is it your intention to convert them to PTBZ land to be managed by Forestry Tasmania?
Mr ABETZ – What we are doing is going through some proposed areas to consider their suitability in relation to a number of criteria. Any land that is to be converted, if that were to occur, will be subject to the parliamentary procedures. So you, Dr Woodruff, and every other member of the parliament, will be able to have a say in that.
Dr WOODRUFF – Thank you. Can you answer the question?
CHAIR – Mr Garland.
Dr WOODRUFF – Well, hold on. He’s getting information, Chair –
CHAIR – Sorry.
Dr WOODRUFF – and he hasn’t answered the question yet, which is, will he be handing them to Forestry Tasmania to manage?
Mr ABETZ – I haven’t turned my mind as to whether that would go to Sustainable Timber Tasmania, which is the correct word –
Dr WOODRUFF – Chair, can I table a document? I wasted so much precious scrutiny time having to have this fight with the chair of Forestry Tasmania at GBEs last year. I’m very happy to table the document which shows the ASIC name for that company, which is trading as Sustainable Timber Tasmania, but it is indeed registered as Forestry Tasmania, and also to table the agreement from Michael Ferguson, the shareholder minister, in June last year, which is on the common seal of Forestry Tasmania. So, let’s dispense with that charade.
Mr ABETZ – Trading as and having a business name is a very common practice, and that is the common usage. That is how people know it. It goes against every instinct of the Greens to have a trading name which actually tells the truth about the organisation, namely that it is sustainable timbers. You can have your affected laughter but it does not change – and there you go again –
CHAIR – Order.
Dr WOODRUFF – It is actually the truth.
CHAIR – Order, Dr Woodruff.
Dr WOODRUFF – That is what they are, Forestry Tasmania.
Mr ABETZ – But it does not change the fact that we do timber harvesting in a most sustainable manner. I have many a time challenged and asked, where do they do forestry better than they do it in Tasmania?
Dr WOODRUFF – To the question, will you be handing it to Forestry Tasmania to manage?
Mr ABETZ – I will be handing it to Sustainable Timber Tasmania if we get there.
Dr WOODRUFF – Okay, so, you don’t know that yet? You started the process and you don’t know who you’re going to give it to?
Mr ABETZ – No, because it’s the parliamentary process that will determine whether or not any parcels of land are made available. If the parliament would –
Dr WOODRUFF – So you haven’t decided that yet.
CHAIR – Order.
Mr ABETZ – Can I finish one sentence without an interjection?
Dr WOODRUFF – I’m just asking questions along the way.
CHAIR – Dr Woodruff, you can’t ask questions along the way. Please let the minister respond to this particular question.
Mr ABETZ – What we have is a process that is clearly outlined by the legislation. The parliament will have its say. If any allotments are put before the parliament, then it will be up to the parliament to determine. If they so determine that the land should be made available for harvesting, then it would be under the auspices of Sustainable Timber Tasmania.
CHAIR – I take this opportunity to remind committee members that you are not able to table documents during proceedings as the purpose of the proceeding is to elicit information from the minister, not to provide it. A member can provide the minister the information, though, by handing it to them. Thank you, Dr Woodruff.
Dr WOODRUFF – I’m very happy to hand that to you, minister, which is about the actual name of Forestry Tasmania.
Mr ABETZ – Thank you.
CHAIR – Thank you, Dr Woodruff.
Mr ABETZ – Trading as Sustainable Timber Tasmania.
Dr WOODRUFF – Yes, I know, but only for PR purposes.
