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

The statement of principles started with community and industry groups coming together. I think that is an important point to make in this area. It is not an agreement between governments. The Gillard Labor government has welcomed this landmark statement and believes it is important that we play a constructive role in supporting this significant community led initiative. As you are aware, this government together with the Tasmanian government appointed Mr Bill Kelty as an independent facilitator to work with the signatories to this community led statement to help build on the imple­mentation. The Gillard government remains committed to working with the Tasmanian community. The community agreement has not yet been finalised, but the government continues to work with the stakeholders in the statement of principles for that purpose.

In relation to the pulp mill, I am advised that Gunns signalled its intention some time ago to exit from native forest logging to reorganise the business, including the building of the pulp mill at Bells Bay.