The Tasmanian Forest Products Association (TFPA) has welcomed the news of a new minister overseeing Tasmanian forestry, with Eric Abetz announced by as the new Minister for Business, Industry and Resources by Premier Jeremy Rockliff this afternoon.

TFPA Chief Executive Officer Nick Steel welcomed the announcement, saying the incoming Minister has vast experience working with Tasmania’s forestry businesses.

“Minister Abetz spent many years in the Federal Parliament representing our local forestry industry on the national stage. He has shown he’s a strong supporter of the important and sustainable work of our industry and the 5,500 Tasmanians employed by it,” Mr Steel said.

“In fact, forestry isn’t even a new portfolio for Mr Abetz, having served as the Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation in the Howard Government between 2006 and 2007.

“We are confident that Minister Abetz will act with the best interests of the forestry industry at heart in the current Parliament and we look forward to assisting him in supporting our businesses in the years ahead,” Mr Steel said.

Mr Steel also thanked outgoing Minister for Forestry, Felix Ellis, for his unstinting efforts in promoting and supporting Tasmanian forestry businesses.

“During his tenure as Minister for Forestry, Mr Ellis worked tirelessly to ensure our industry was not only supported by Government but would remain an integral part of Tasmania for years to come,” Mr Steel said.

“On behalf of the Tasmanian forestry industry, I thank Minister Ellis for his work and I’m pleased to see he’s been rewarded for his performance with a number of significant portfolios in the current Parliament.”