Media Release

Peter Gutwein MP
Shadow Minister for Industry

Sunday 23rd May 2010

Mystery Ministries: Does Labor Take Industry and Hospitality Portfolios Seriously?

Does the Labor-Green Government take the industry or hospitality sectors seriously? Documents received by the Tasmanian Liberals under Freedom of Information show that neither the Industry Minister, or the Hospitality Minister have received any briefings on these portfolios and that the public service didn't even bother to prepare one as part of the incoming government's new briefs. This raises serious questions as to what exactly these Ministers are responsible for and whether they take their roles seriously. With much uncertainty across the board including job losses at Austral, the closure of paper mills in the North West and major problems facing the forest sector, how is it that the Minister for Industry has apparently nothing to do or to be responsible for? I am appalled that the Industry Minister has taken an 'ignorance is bliss' approach while our industries crumble around him.

How many industries must be shut down, or gutted of workers before the Labor-Green Government realises there's a problem? Almost 7 months ago, David Bartlett announced the creation of a Minister for Hospitality. It's laughable to suggest that in that time there has not been a single issue that the Minister would need to be aware of. The Labor-Green Government needs to do more than just announce ministries, especially when we are facing challenges in the forestry, manufacturing and tourism sectors. Tasmanian businesses and the people they employ deserve more from this Government than just political lip service.