The Shadow Minister for Small Business Dr Steve Thomas says the Government’s redundancy packages for workers in the timber industry are welcome, but that by comparison the support for businesses in the industry have been a joke.
Employees put of work by the Government’s decision to effectively end the native timber industry in this state will have access to up to $45,000 in compensation, plus $2,500 in retraining grants and $5,000 in relocation and re-employment costs” Dr Thomas said.
“It is good to see that workers from businesses forced to close are being looked after, perhaps to a maximum of $52,500.”
Workers voluntarily exiting the industry before the destruction of their employer’s business will also have access to up to $10,000 to ease their transition into new jobs, which while useful will encourage workers out of an industry that is still trying to survive.
“While all this is welcome, the McGowan Government’s contempt for the business community is once again on full display” Dr Thomas said.
“The compensation outlines for businesses in the timber industry is a pittance that will not go anywhere near allowing business owners to exit the industry with dignity.”
“It is a token payment that highlights either a complete lack of understanding of the nature of business or a complete contempt for it.”
“The difference in the two packages is perhaps highlighted by the nature of their delivery. The compensation for workers was announced with a media release on Wednesday, whereas the compensation for businesses was snuck out in an online hook up with no media release at all.”
“I imagine that Minister Dave Kelly was so embarrassed by the business package he didn’t really want to draw attention to it.”
“The compensation for business is wholly inadequate, and I am calling on the Government to double the hardwood compensation package to $100 million to give some proper relief to timber related businesses.
“If the coal industry can get $100 million for a transition over a decade, the timber industry deserves the same for a two year transition period that will provide a more immediate hit to South West communities and businesses.”