Labor has abruptly withdrawn the contracts of East Gippsland native timber harvesters.
The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath said Daniel Andrews has kicked East Gippsland’s native timber harvesters to the curb, despite them working around the clock assisting the bushfire response and recovery.
“During the height of the bushfire crisis, the Premier needed East Gippsland native timber harvesters, their machinery and expertise to create firebreaks, remove dangerous trees, clear roads and bush tracks,” said Ms Bath.
“Now he’s turned around and said thanks, but no thanks – it is disgraceful.”
Last week East Gippsland native timber harvesters were issued with information from the State Government on Labor’s plan to close the native timber industry closure in four years.
This week they have been told their contracts are null and void.
Ms Bath said East Gippsland native timber harvesters have been blindsided by Labor.
“Daniel Andrews has waited until roads have been reopened and the entrance work at Marlo is nearly completed, before turning his back on workers,” said Ms Bath.
“These highly skilled harvesters have been left without an income and are now forced to have difficult conversations with their financial institutions.”
“Daniel Andrews must reverse his decision and find an immediate solution for East Gippsland’s native timber harvesters,” Ms Bath said.
