Media Statement
 
WOODCHIP PROTEST GREETS MINISTER
 
“No income test for woodchip welfare” was the message greeting Special Minister of State, Gary Nairn as he opened the new Centrelink offices in Bega today.
Mr Nairn’s Government has committed $30 million to loggers in the past 5 years and he has personally announced almost $7million in handouts to loggers in the south east.
Spokesperson for the conservationists, Ms Harriett Swift said that corporate welfare for woodchippers should be subject to the same tough conditions that Centrelink clients face.
“I know of at least one logger who has received a total of $365,000 from the taxpayer to buy a mechanical harvester, and yet, does not appear to own a mechanical harvester.”
“Other family run logging companies, owned by millionaire brothers have received cash payments totalling $673,356 since 2003, apparently without any requirement for an income or means test.”
The conservationists made their peaceful and silent protest at the Centrelink Office as Mr Nairn unveiled a plaque bearing his name.
The Minister, also the member for Eden-Monaro, home of the Eden chipmill is a strong supporter of the woodchipping industry.
 
22 November 2006