FORESTRY (MISCELLANEOUS) AMENDMENT BILL

Second Reading

Adjourned debate on second reading.

(Continued from 14 March 2012.)

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Leader of the Opposition) (17:16): I rise to speak to the Hon. Robert Brokenshire's bill, the Forestry (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2012. I do not intend to speak at any great length but members will be aware that this bill has arisen from the member's and probably a number of people's frustration in this chamber about the arrogant approach of the government to sell our state's forestry assets.

It is my understanding that the intention of the Hon. Mr Brokenshire's bill is to somehow enshrine the recommendations of the Roundtable that have been put together by Treasurer Snelling to identify the non-negotiables in the sale of the forests; the sort of things that the community would be happy for that the Hon. Robert Brokenshire is looking to try to enshrine in legislation. We have, at the moment, a forestry select committee looking at the sale of the forestry assets and so it is my intention to move an amendment to this bill that it be referred to the select committee.

I have just had some discussions with the Clerk and it seems the most sensible way for me to deal with that procedurally is to foreshadow today that that is my intention. I have had some discussions with the Hon. Robert Brokenshire and he is happy for it to be considered by the select committee. It makes sense given that we are addressing the whole sale issue on that committee. So I foreshadow today that next Wednesday of sitting I will move the amendment, but at this point in time I will seek leave to conclude my remarks.

Leave granted; debate adjourned.