The discovery of spikes in logs at two Tasmanian mills is a concerning development that must be condemned by environmental activists and the Greens.
Shadow Minister for Resources Shane Broad said while police investigations must not be pre-empted, there is no place for such dangerous tactics in Tasmania.
"News that police have been called in to investigate the discovery of spikes in logs at mills in the Derwent Valley and Bridgewater is an alarming reminder of the worst of Tasmania's forest wars," Dr Broad said.
"We cannot return to those days.
"The spikes discovered at these two mills not only destroyed the saws and impacted production, but they could have resulted in a worker being injured or even killed. It's just extremely fortunate that no-one was hurt.
"With police investigations at an early stage, it is disappointing to see the Greens Leader pre-empting those enquiries and suggesting the industry itself is to blame for this incident.
"This is not the time to be making baseless accusations- and the police investigation must be allowed to run its course.
"Cassy O'Connor and other environmental activists should be condemning this behaviour rather than trying to pre-empt the findings of a police investigation.
"While some have spoken out against this incident, it is the responsibility of all environmental organisations to make it clear that this dangerous practice is unacceptable, unlawful and will not be tolerated.
"While there is always a place for political dissent, there is never a place for putting lives at risk, and forest industry workers must be free to go about their lawful work safely.
"Labor strongly supports a viable, sustainable and ongoing native forest industry in Tasmania. The industry currently enjoys broad community and market acceptance and we want that to continue.
"The forestry sector is an important part of the state's economy. Labor has worked constructively with industry and offered bipartisanship to the government on the development of forest policy.
"We will continue to work with industry to support its growth and Tasmania's forestry workers."
Shane Broad MP
Shadow Minister for Resources