Guy Barnett,Minister for Resources
Joan Rylah,Liberal Member for Braddon
The Tasmanian Government believes every worker should be able to go to work and return home safely.
Minister for Resources Guy Barnett said reports that trees being processed at two Tasmanian sawmills have been spiked is deeply concerning.
"This frightening incident could have severely injured or killed these workers and this is an extremely serious situation," he said.
"Such practices are despicable and should be condemned in the strongest terms by everyone."
Member for Braddon Joan Rylah said the Greens and all conservation groups must also unreservedly condemn this type of action.
"What we are talking about is an action that could maim or kill a worker. People have an absolute right to go to work in a safe environment without the threat of being severely harmed by the dangerous and irresponsible actions of another person."
It is also understood that this dangerous action has caused several thousands of dollars damage to equipment which will further restrict hard working Tasmanians in regional areas from earning a living.
Minister Barnett said that peaceful, respectful protesting is a fundamental right for all Tasmanians, but trespassing and acting in a way that could result in injury is never acceptable.
"This is why the Tasmanian Government's Workplace Protection laws are needed more than ever to protect lawful businesses and to protect law abiding workers, many in regional communities," he said.
It is understood that the alleged tree spiking matter has been referred to Tasmania Police and Worksafe Tasmania and we urge anyone with information to come forward and assist this investigation.
