Guy Barnett,Minister for Resources
The Tasmanian Government welcomes today's High Court of Australia decision to dismiss the Bob Brown Foundation's (BBF) Special Leave Application regarding the Tasmanian Regional Forestry Agreement (RFA).
This decision reaffirms the ruling of the Full Bench of the Federal Court and cements the validity of Tasmania's RFA, beyond doubt.
The destructive intent of the Foundation's case at the Federal Court, and now the High Court, has attempted to bring into question the legality of Tasmania's RFA. They have failed.
Tasmania's RFA is underpinned by a strong and comprehensive Forest Management System that delivers ecologically sustainable forest management.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government has full confidence in our comprehensive RFA and will always fight to protect Tasmanian jobs, maintain Tasmania's important environmental values and ensure the sustainability of our forests.
Our forestry industry employs thousands of Tasmanians and injects more than $1.2 billion into our economy and provides the sector with much needed certainty.
With no further avenue for the BBF to appeal this matter, I sincerely hope they accept the umpire's decision and cease their relentless campaign against Tasmanian workers and their families.
