All Tasmanian political parties and candidates are being urged to throw their support behind the state’s sustainable forestry industry, ahead of the upcoming election.
Following the announcement of an election on 19 July, the Tasmanian Forest Products Association’s (TFPA) has launched its election priorities – spanning a wide range of portfolios and showcasing the important and diverse role forestry plays in the state of Tasmania.
Speaking at the launch of the priority list, TFPA Chief Executive Officer Nick Steel said the forest industry is vital for the state’s economic, social and environmental success in the years ahead.
“Over 5,500 Tasmanians are employed by the Tasmanian forestry industry,” Mr Steel said.
“They live, work and play across our state. That’s why our priority list for the upcoming election spans not only the resources portfolio, but also education, small business, housing and red tape reduction,” Mr Steel said.
Mr Steel said this year’s priority list focusses on four key components that candidates and political parties can support to keep our industry strong, sustainable and productive.
“This year, our priorities focus on housing and wood products, community engagement and industry modernisation, climate change and the fire threat, and timber trees and productivity,” Mr Steel said.
“These priorities will assist the industry remain a key driver of the state’s economy and will be able to support the many regional and rural communities that our businesses operate in.
“Our industry is vital to secure our rural communities, for our economic prosperity and to help meet the state’s ambitious climate change targets.”
In the coming weeks, the TFPA will be reviewing the promises made by all parties and candidates and assessing them against the election priorities released today.
“Our wish list prioritises the key election policies needed to ensure that our sustainable industry can continue to thrive in years to come,” Mr Steel said.
“Closer to the election the TFPA will release an election scorecard which will rate all parties’ policies against their support of the Tasmanian forestry industry,” Mr Steel said.
“That score card will allow Tasmanians who care about our sustainable industry to determine where their vote can go, to truly support our industry.
“I urge all political parties and candidates to work with the TFPA to ensure that their policies can ensure the Tasmanian forestry industry can continue being successful and sustainable for many years to come.”
The TFPA election wish list is available by visiting: https://tfpa.com.au/tfpa-2025-tasmanian-election-priorities/