Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Polley for her supplementary question. This announcement today delivers on the government’s election commitment to provide much-needed assistance for Tasmanian forestry contractors. The commitment and cooperation between all parties in these discussions has been positive and productive, and the government has appreciated the work and patience of all involved.

This package will allocate $17 million towards exit assistance for eligible haulage or harvest forestry contracting businesses to support their transition out of the industry. The exit assistance can be applied for immediately, with applications closing in the middle of December, and I expect offers to be made to successful applicants before Christmas. The application assessment process will be completed by officials from the Australian and Tasmanian governments, who will also be able to draw on external expertise to assist in the assessment process. Up to $750,000 will be available for each successful eligible business that is predominantly in the native forest sector. (Time expired)