Confusion over state government position on pulp mill pipeline

The Wilderness Society (Tasmania) Inc
Media Release
25 June 2008

Revelations by Minister for Economic Development Paula Wriedt in yesterdayís Budget estimate hearings that the state government would consider funding the pulp-mill pipeline if the project gets finance go-ahead contradicts recent statements made by Premier Bartlett.

In the interest of clarity and honesty with Tasmanian taxpayers, The Wilderness Society is calling on Premier Bartlett to correct his Minister and reiterate his position that clearly ruled out any form of government assistance for Gunnsí pipeline.

"Minister Wriedtís statements cut across the guarantees made by the Premier that unequivocally rule out public funding for Gunns' pipeline," said Vica Bayley, spokesperson for The Wilderness Society.

"The government's position on issues such as the taxpayer funded pipeline should be rock solid, yet we have contradictory commitments coming from different government representatives." 

"Premier Bartlett has given a commitment to Tasmanians of a new era in openness and transparency in all government actions; however the public is receiving mixed messages from other ministers."

The Wilderness Society is also seeking a commitment from the Government that the taxpayer-funded report into the 'public benefits' of the pipeline be released as soon as the final is received and the 'pulp mill steering committee' be dismantled while the project is in financial limbo.

"This report is critical public information, paid for and of interest to Tasmanians. The public must have access to this document when it is considered by Cabinet so as to be fully informed and able to properly scrutinise the ultimate decision made by Cabinet on this issue."

"Spending money on public servants to steer a pulp mill that appears stalled is throwing good money after bad and appears to be funding little more than the remnants of the ill-fated Pulp Mill Task Force,"  concluded Mr Bayley.