Tasmania hits back over boycott

Authorities in Tasmania are furious at British MPs who have called for a tourist boycott of the island because of deforestation. As reported by News From Abroad in recent weeks, UK and Australian environmental groups are angry at the Tasmanian logging industry – and more than 60 British MPs have signed a motion stating that the logging practices are “a blot on the good name of Australia”, condemning the “large-scale destruction of native forest” and the “wilful use of the highly toxic chemical, 1080,” to kill animals that live on the trees. However, according to The Independent newspaper, Bryan Green, Tasmania’s minister for Infrastructure, Energy and Resources, has written to Norman Baker, the Liberal Democrat MP who tabled the motion. He reportedly wrote: “I wish to express in the strongest possible terms my disappointment at what can only be described as an attempt to sabotage the people and economy of Tasmania.” Baker responded: “I would not want to visit Tasmania as a tourist because it would be like endorsing the destruction of the natural environment and its wildlife. It is disgraceful that a civilised country should behave in this way.” Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad