TAS:Feds should inspect Gunns compo: Brown

AAP General News (Australia)
08-15-2011
TAS:Feds should inspect Gunns compo: Brown

HOBART, Aug 15 AAP - The federal government should scrutinise any compensation delivered
to timber company Gunns as part of the Tasmanian forestry deal, Greens leader Bob Brown
says.

The commonwealth and Tasmanian governments signed a $276 million intergovernmental
agreement earlier this month to restructure the forestry industry.

The deal includes $45 million to fund voluntary withdrawals of native forestry haulage,
harvesters and silvicultural contractors.

However, it remains to be seen whether Gunns - who pulled out of native forests last
year - will be compensated for their decision.

Senator Brown said the federal government should be able to examine any public money
being handed to the company.

"That's apparently mired in legal questions at the moment," he told reporters in Hobart
on Monday.

"Our view is that any opinion about the need for Gunns to be compensated needs to be
on very strong grounds. The commonwealth, I'm sure, will look at that.

"I would think it would be a very good idea if the commonwealth solicitor-general looks
at any opinion that comes out there and we get agreement."

AAP pbc/jsh

KEYWORD: GUNNS

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