Liberal leader David Honey launches attack on Warren-Blackwood MP Jane Kelsbie over native logging ban

WA Liberal leader David Honey has launched a scathing attack at Warren Blackwood MP Jane Kelsbie, saying the former Worklink WA CEO “would never have been elected” if WA Labor had come clean about its plans to ban logging in native forests prior to the State Election. Ms Kelsbie toppled long-standing Nationals MLC Terry Redman at the March State Election, winning the forestry industry-heavy seat after securing 51.3 per cent of the vote, 12,903 to 12,266. Just seven months later, WA Labor announced logging native forests in WA’s South West would be banned from 2024 as a pre-budget announcement including $350 million for softwood plantations — predominantly pine — across the region. The announcement blindsided the forestry sector, with industry figureheads claiming it came with no consultation and would slash jobs despite a proposed $50 million transition fund from the State Government. The move has been lauded by environmental groups and brings the amount of state forests protected to about two million hectares, saivng 400,000ha that would have been felled. Speaking in State Parliament last Wednesday, Mr Honey said Ms Kelsbie would “not have been elected if she had let her electors know” about the “secret plan” the State Government had. “The fact that the Member for Warren Blackwood, just stood back without putting in any fight for their local communities, just speaks volumes about the ruthless nature of the control exercised by the few elites in the Labor Party,” he said. “We have seen this time and again — regional members who are elected to represent their regions are utterly silent on this matter.” Ms Kelsbie told Countryman she was “not particularly interested” in the Liberal leader’s analysis of the State Election. “Those who know me understand I’m not interested in political games or point scoring,” she said. “I was elected to my community and that’s exactly what I am doing. I’m getting on with the job and I suggest the Member for Cottesloe stop patronising regional women. “The community voted for me because they know. as part of the McGowan Labor Government, I will keep our local community safe and strong, and deliver on my election commitments. “The Labor Government has prioritised delivering record levels of investment in health, infrastructure, education and jobs. “These are the things that make a real difference to communities in my electorate.” Nationals Roe MLA Peter Rundle was more sympathetic to Ms Kelsbie, telling Parliament he was “worried” about her. “I am sure she had absolutely no idea about what was going to be done to her electorate,” he said. “She has come in here in good faith, looking to serve the voters of Manjimup, Nannup and Pemberton and the rug has been pulled out from underneath her. “I am worried because in March 2025, the voters of Warren-Blackwood will have their say and it will be through no fault of the new member for Warren-Blackwood. “I am sure she will spend the next four years trying to justify the decision of the environment minister and the forestry minister, who are really playing to the inner-city vote.” In response to Mr Honey’s motion, WA Environment Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson labelled much of Mr Honey’s argument as “fake news” but admitted the had “no argument” that it was an “incredibly challenging” time for some families in the South West. “We are acutely aware of that, which is why we are committed to funding a transition plan and working hand in hand with those communities towards diversification,” she said. “The state’s South West forest is a state asset. It is not owned by the foresters. “This is not a sustainable industry.”