❓ Dr. Thomas questions the Premier about funding for the timber industry following the native forest logging ban, referencing a quote about 'free money'. The government defends its $80 million transition package and softwood plantation expansion.
AnsweredQoN 1321Legislative Council
Asked
1 December 2022
Member
Portfolio
Leader of the House representing the Premier
QuestionView source ↗
NATIVE FOREST —
LOGGING — TRANSITION PACKAGE
1321. Hon Dr STEVE THOMAS to the Leader of the House
representing the Premier:
I
refer to the Premier's quote on page 4 of today's copy of the Collie
River Valley Bulletin saying that ''everyone loves free money''
while spruiking his cash splash in Collie, and witnessed by the Minister for
Regional Development.
(1) While the
Premier is splashing around free money, will he provide more to the timber
industry businesses that his government's policies have brought to
their knees?
(2) Does this free money come from
and therefore belong to Western Australian taxpayers?
LOGGING — TRANSITION PACKAGE
1321. Hon Dr STEVE THOMAS to the Leader of the House
representing the Premier:
I
refer to the Premier's quote on page 4 of today's copy of the Collie
River Valley Bulletin saying that ''everyone loves free money''
while spruiking his cash splash in Collie, and witnessed by the Minister for
Regional Development.
(1) While the
Premier is splashing around free money, will he provide more to the timber
industry businesses that his government's policies have brought to
their knees?
(2) Does this free money come from
and therefore belong to Western Australian taxpayers?
AnswerView source ↗
I have three questions on the same
theme, honourable member. They are equally hilarious.
Hon Alannah MacTiernan : At
least it's not on PFAS.
Hon SUE ELLERY : Yes.
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1)–(2) The McGowan government has allocated $80 million
for a just transition plan to assist workers, businesses and communities
linked to forestry transition to new industries when native forest logging ends
in 2024. This includes $19.3 million for
workforce transition programs to provide financial support to native forestry workers and help them secure new employment; $26.9 million for business
transition programs to provide financial support to businesses to pivot,
diversify or close once protections for native forests increase; and $30 million for industry and community
development programs to assist small businesses in the native forest
region to grow, diversify or attract new industries and stimulate regional
economies. In addition, $350 million has been allocated to expand WA's
softwood timber plantations, creating and supporting sustainable jobs in the
south west.
theme, honourable member. They are equally hilarious.
Hon Alannah MacTiernan : At
least it's not on PFAS.
Hon SUE ELLERY : Yes.
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1)–(2) The McGowan government has allocated $80 million
for a just transition plan to assist workers, businesses and communities
linked to forestry transition to new industries when native forest logging ends
in 2024. This includes $19.3 million for
workforce transition programs to provide financial support to native forestry workers and help them secure new employment; $26.9 million for business
transition programs to provide financial support to businesses to pivot,
diversify or close once protections for native forests increase; and $30 million for industry and community
development programs to assist small businesses in the native forest
region to grow, diversify or attract new industries and stimulate regional
economies. In addition, $350 million has been allocated to expand WA's
softwood timber plantations, creating and supporting sustainable jobs in the
south west.
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