CANBERRA - The federal opposition has criticised a decision by the Tasmanian government to push through legislation for a controversial pulp mill.
The bill to fast-track assessment of the $2 billion pulp mill passed through Tasmania's upper house on Thursday.
The legislation is aimed at sidestepping the Resource Planning and Development Commission (RPDC), which had been assessing the Gunns Ltd pulp mill project in the Tamar Valley, in the state's north.
Gunns had complained the RPDC was taking too long to assess the state's biggest private investment project.
But federal opposition environment spokesman Peter Garrett said he opposed the state government's move.
"I was disappointed the Tasmanian government went to a different process in terms of assessing this pulp mill," Mr Garrett told the Nine Network today.
"Our position now is that we will look closely at that process, but also at the process that the federal government will have to enact before we actually reach a conclusion about the desirability or otherwise of any project."
Meanwhile, state Labor MP Terry Martin was expelled from the party for voting against the legislation, which he said set a dangerous precedent for the state's planning processes.
Mr Garrett said Mr Martin knew what the consequences would be for crossing the floor on the issue.
"That was a decision that particular member took. I noted it, I didn't take anything more from it," he said.
The fast-track bill introduced by Premier Paul Lennon will go back to the lower house with amendments already approved by the state government on April 17, when it is expected to become law.
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