The NSW Nationals are calling on the Minns Labor Government to release all correspondence relating to the Great Koala National Park consultation process, after claims of serious conflicts of interest.
Unions have raised concerns the firm tasked by the National Parks and Wildlife Service to assess the park’s impact on timber jobs was also contracted by the Australian Climate and Biodiversity Foundation to provide advice on ending the timber industry altogether.
Nationals’ Leader Dugald Saunders said the allegations are extremely serious.
“The Minns Labor Government made an election promise to deliver the Great Koala National Park while protecting the jobs of timber workers at the same time, but what we are seeing here is another example of someone cooking the books.”
“Engaging Mandala Partners, an agency with a clear conflict of interest, tells me one thing – that the government was seeking a political outcome here rather than an environmental one.”
Shadow Minister for the North Coast, Gurmesh Singh, said industry is rightfully worried about Mandala Partners’ involvement in this process.
“This situation shows the government is trying to achieve a political outcome here, rather than an environmental one,” Mr Singh said.
“The Minns Labor Government made a dual commitment before the election to deliver the Great Koala National Park while protecting the jobs of timber workers, but what we are seeing now is the complete opposite.
“We also want to know how much Environment Minister Penny Sharpe knew about this. She needs to come clean and tell our communities how she has allowed this to happen on her watch.”
Nationals Member for Clarence Richie Williamson said the flawed process is putting thousands of jobs at risk.
“The hardwood industry is the backbone of the North Coast, supporting more than 5000 families, who can’t afford to let a skewed system take away their livelihoods,” Mr Williamson said.
“On top of that we need to consider the impact the Great Koala National Park will have on the state’s crucial timber supply and the economic fallout for local sawmills and producers.
“No timber means no paper, no power poles and no construction materials to build the homes we are desperate for in the middle of a housing shortage crisis.”
Nationals Member for Oxley Michael Kemp said the government needs to provide clarity around the steps it has taken so far.
“Everyone I have spoken to has told me this is an illegitimate process, and the Minns Government has stacked the cards from the very beginning by hand-picking the people involved,” Mr Kemp said.
“There are serious questions around how Mandala Partners was chosen and also how it could be awarded a major government contract just months after it was formed.
“It seems like a classic case of Labor looking after its mates instead of putting science and logic first.”
