Tuesday, 20 June 2023

Eastern Victoria Region

Melina BATH (Eastern Victoria) (12:55): (238) My constituent question is for the Minister for Agriculture. On 23 May when you came to TAFE Gippsland, Morwell, to condemn our viable, sustainable native hardwood timber industry, you said you spoke with industry and you rattled off government employees and your Eastern Victoria MPs. Last week Minister D’Ambrosio came to the valley. She entered via the front gate, only she exited by the back gate because there were five trucks. Twenty timber industry people and their families were standing there respectfully asking to speak to her, respectfully wanting her to pass by, and she sneaked out the back door. It is absolutely atrocious. So the question I have for the minister is: will you actually come and meet with timber industry workers and business owners affected face to face and discuss how you are going to stop their lives from being crippled?