Launceston, Tasmania, Australia: the battle over logging Tasmania's old growth trees continues. Even as Labour leader Mark Latham -- also the leader of opposition in the Australian parliament -- decided to visit Tasmania, on March 16, 2004, Launceston witnessed a pro-logging rally, attended by Forestry Tasmania workers and workers at Gunns, the major company involved in felling in the region. Forestry Tasmania's general manager of operations, Kim Creak, said that employees who attend would not have their pay docked. The rally called on the Federal Opposition to stand by Tasmania's timber industry and the Regional Forest Agreement. A resolution the rally passed said the Greens do not speak for Tasmanians.
But members of the Greens and the Wilderness Society said disgruntled Forestry Tasmania workers contacted them because they did not want to attend the rally.
They also claimed Gunns employees had been directed to attend. Greens Senator Bob Brown said taxpayers' money was used to bolster the rally's numbers. The leader of the Tasmanian Greens, Peg Putt, said the rally was being stacked. "We've got basically press-ganging of forestry employees up to this rally," Putt said.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.