The Tasmanian Nationals have unveiled a five-point policy platform they say will cut government red tape while supporting the state’s farming, fisheries and forestry sectors.
The party’s plan for primary industries focuses on easing the regulatory burden while protecting Tasmania’s reputation for top-quality produce.
State Director Brooke de Jong said the policy offered a “balanced, common-sense way forward”.
“The Tasmanian Nationals are backing local industry that create jobs and wealth for the state,” she said.
Under the plan, economic and social benefits would be factored into project approvals, outdated regulations would be reviewed and local communities would benefit more from fees and charges instead of just propping up the public service.
The party also wants to stamp out regulatory duplication and tighten biosecurity measures to safeguard Tasmania’s international standing.
Lyons candidate and former Liberal MP John Tucker said excessive red tape was holding local industry back.
“We desperately need to stop the endless government red tape, which is costing local jobs and hurting production,” he said.
The policy also takes aim at the Greens, with the Nationals claiming their opponents want to “extinguish family and businesses in primary production”.
The party is contesting the federal seats of Braddon, Bass and Lyons – regions where much of Tasmania’s farming and fishing happens.
Federal Nationals Leader David Littleproud has backed the policy, saying primary industries were crucial to Tasmania’s economy.
“Tasmanians deserve government representatives who will back in the state’s job creating primary producing sectors, not who try to destroy them,” Littleproud said.
