The Resources Minister, Paul Harriss, failed to seize the opportunity during Budget Estimates Committee hearings to reassure people that Forestry Tasmania will not overturn the current ban on 1080 use on State forestry lands,” Greens Leader and Forestry spokesperson Kim Booth MP said today.
“The Greens welcome the fact the Minister placed on the public record that currently there are no immediate plans for forestry to overturn the current ban on 1080 baiting, but it is of concern that Mr Harriss refused to rule it out,” Mr Booth said.
“The failure to reassure people unequivocally that this ban will stay in place will cause grave concern amongst many in the community who fought long and hard to get the 1080 ban in place.”
“It will cause immense damage to our brand and tourism sector, our organic industry, as well as any attempt by Forestry Tasmania to achieve Forest Stewardship certification should we be dragged back to the bad old days of distressing images of suffering and dying native wildlife dominating our airwaves.”
“Many will also remember the distress of finding their family dogs dying an awful and painful death from secondary poisoning.”
“The Greens urge Forestry Tasmania and the Minister to guarantee that there will be no back-flip on the current policy position of no 1080 use on browsing animals on forestry land,” Mr Booth said.