One Nation’s candidate for Susan Ley’s seat has met with members of the timber industry in Barham, signalling strong support for native forestry ahead of the by-election in the seat of Farrer. David Farley visited the region on Tuesday as part of his campaign, with the seat falling vacant after Sussan Ley retired from politics following her removal as Leader of the Federal Liberal Party.
From the outset, the industry knew he was serious — Farley brings extensive experience in agriculture both in Australia and internationally, and understands the importance of regional communities and businesses in NSW.
Farley made time in his schedule for a private meeting with the local red gum timber industry. The meeting ran overtime as he pressed representatives on the make-up of the sector, how it managed local red gums, its benefits to the environment and the economy, and the positive impacts on the social fabric of surrounding communities.
“I’ve never had a Federal Politician or Candidate ask so many questions about our industry, and it was obvious he was a supporter of the Native Timber Industry, and he understood the important role we play in the economy,” said Todd Gelletly, Managing Director of Gelletly Red Gum Firewood. “He was interested in the fire regime and how the local industry is involved in fighting fires with qualified firefighters and the supply of equipment at a moment’s notice.”
“David was acutely aware of the mismanagement of National Parks and frustrated by the wasted resources they contain, along with their poor track record of managing fire,” according to Faye Ashwin of O’Brien’s Red Gum, who was part of the delegation. “It was interesting to hear David speak about the importance of policy reform to strengthen the industry.”
“David was very interested in our story at Arbuthnot’s Saw Mill as we close in on 140 years of continued operation in Red Gum,” said Paul Madden, CEO of Arbuthnot Saw Mill. Farley’s message was unambiguous — One Nation wants to build Australian productivity and capacity, Australia can no longer rely on imported products, and the timber industries are vital to building sovereign capability.
Please note: Wood Central will not take a political stance on the Farrer by-election and invites all candidates in the seat to provide a contribution to the masthead. For more information on the former member, Sussan Ley, click here for Wood Central’s exclusive on the former federal Liberal leader’s role in “stabbing” the native hardwood industry in the back.
