Upper House Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath and Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull have again called on Premier Daniel Andrews to intervene and ensure that the Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH) mill continues to operate at its current production level.
Their call comes after a visit to the ASH site at Heyfield this morning, where they spoke with a number of workers.
“The workers I spoke with are feeling very let down by the Andrews Labor Government,” Ms Bath said.
“Daniel Andrews even made a personal commitment to visit the mill by the end of March and speak with workers, which he hasn’t done.”
“There has also been hollow talk of the government taking over the mill – operating with the same workforce on one third of the timber supply. Nobody believes this.”
“Is there any genuine interest from the government in saving the livelihoods of all these workers and their families, and the entire town of Heyfield? I fear the answer is ‘no’.”
Tim Bull also urged the Premier to take swift action.
“With the clock ticking, it is time this matter was resolved. Daniel Andrews can provide supply of this timber with a policy change and he should do so, but here we are almost five months down the track since this became a priority and he has not even bothered to visit the mill or the workers,” said Mr Bull.
“At the very least, he should do this as a matter of urgency – the workers and their families deserve some answers.”
