Media Release

Peter Gutwein MP
Shadow Minister for Forestry

Friday 18th March, 2011

Greens support for pulp mill infrastructure welcomed

Confirmation of the Greens’ support for infrastructure assistance for the Bell Bay pulp mill from State Government owned businesses – on commercial terms – is welcome.

This is the first positive thing that the Greens’ have ever said about this mill, and is a nice change from their constant negativity. There is no doubt that their decision to support the provision of this infrastructure to the mill site will ensure that this project has the best opportunity to succeed.

However, while the Greens’ support is welcome, it is somewhat surprising given their recent comments on this matter (see below).

It is rare to get tripartite support in Tasmania and on an issue as important as this to the Tasmanian economy the Greens’ change of heart is welcome.

Well done to Mr McKim for pulling Mr Booth into line!

KIM BOOTH’s PREVIOUS STATEMENTS ON PULP MILL SUPPORT:

"I'd regard spending public money, either directly or indirectly, as malfeasance; would have no confidence in this government and therefore could no longer provide that confidence to the Governor [Peter Underwood]." (Mercury, 4/3/11)

“The minute there is any support given to the Gunns project , then my pledge to the Governor of stability and confidence will be acted on. The gloves would be off” (Examiner, 4/3/11)

“I am not pussyfooting around here...This is my principles at stake here and I have always fought against corruption and this squandering of public taxes on politician’s pet projects.” (Mercury, 5/3/11)