Will Hodgman

The silent minority will no longer stay silent and let a vocal few dictate the future of forestry and regional communities.

Over 200 people packed into the Scottsdale RSL tonight to send a very clear message to the Green-Labor minority government - the forestry deal does not have their support, it is destroying jobs, causing businesses to go bust and threatening the viability of whole communities.

At the meeting, a motion was moved and passed from the floor calling on the Premier to rip up the job destroying forest deal and instead work with the Liberal party to grow the forest industry, not shut it down. And if not, call an election and let Tasmanians have their say about the future of our forestry industry and our state.

Tonight the Liberals heard once again how the government’s disastrous forestry deal is having serious impacts not only for people in Scottsdale and the North East, but on communities right across Tasmania.

It’s time for the government to wake up and listen.

This issue is not just about the future of our forest industry, but the future of Tasmania. It is about people, their jobs, their families, and their communities.

For Lara Giddings to not turn up or even bother to nominate a government representative to front the people of the North East, shows just what little regard her minority government has for these communities.

Similar public meetings to be held in the coming weeks in Huonville and Smithton. Tasmanians are entitled to have their say and the Liberals will ensure they have the opportunity to be heard.