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

yesterday Senator Bob Brown asked me a question about the transfer of equipment from Tasmania by rec­ipients of the Tasmanian forestry contractors exit assistance program for use in other states. I have some additional information in response to that question and I seek leave to have that information incorporated in Hansard.

Leave granted.

The answer read as follows—

The purpose of the Tasmanian Forest Contractors Exit Assistance is to reduce overcapacity in the forestry industry in Tasmania.

Recipients must dispose of their equipment or stand it aside and cease business operations in Tasmania for a period of five years. There is no restriction on grantees operating in other states and territories.

If Senator Brown or other Senators have any evidence of fraudulent or misleading behaviour in the conduct of grantees during the application process or deed execution process or in the administration of the scheme by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments, they should provide that information and it will be properly investigated.