TWIGGY’S NO FRAUD

Greg Barns’ bilious attempt at a character assassination of Andrew Forrest falls down when you look at the details of his claims (Talking Point, September 6).

He accuses Dr Forrest of being paternalistic in his dealings with First Nations Australians. Can the largest private sector employer of Indigenous people in Australia be paternalistic, especially when he has admirably progressive employment policies? This ensures diversity in his workplaces.

Mr Barns sneers at how Dr Forrest has created wealth by digging up the red dirt of the Pilbara. He accuses Dr Forrest of “banking” the diesel fuel excise from his operations. Rebates of these taxes are available to any ABN holder who operates machinery off-road. This rebate is available to any agriculturalist, railway owner, and even … a fish farmer.

David Hurburgh South Hobart