9 November 2010
DAFF10/039L
The Gillard Labor Government is delivering its election commitment to support Tasmanian forest contractors and their employees respond to the challenges facing the Tasmanian forestry industry.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, said today that the
2010-11 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook delivers on the Government’s election commitment for a $20 million assistance package for Tasmanian forest contractors and their employees.
“The Government understands native forest harvesting and haulage contractors in Tasmania are facing significant challenges,” Minister Ludwig said.
“We are meeting our election commitment to provide $20 million to be spent this financial year to help forest contractors and their employees.”
Minister Ludwig said the package would include both exit and business assistance.
“The Federal and State Governments have been working in close consultation on the assistance package and I appreciate the patience of all those affected,” he said.
“The details of the program will be announced shortly and I expect offers to be made to successful applicants in December 2010.”
