I have been compelled to confront a question many others will have to consider, often with anguish, over the coming months. In my own case my decision was not made easier by my own role in the creation of the prize, having first suggested the idea of the prize to Jim Bacon in a detailed letter after he first won government, and then serving on the initial steering committee that worked on the establishment of the prize.

It is clear that the Tasmania Pacific Prize, along with the great majority of events that collectively form the Ten Days on the Island arts festival will receive not a penny of Forestry Tasmania sponsorship moneys. Yet the good name of the artists participating in those events‹whatever their own position on the matter‹will be seen by many as lending their credibility, their integrity to the body that organises and promotes the ongoing clearfelling of old growth forests.

The choice of Forestry Tasmania as a major sponsor of Ten Days on the Island (and, despite subsequent dissembling to the contrary, it clearly was meant to be the major sponsor and remains central to the festival's identity) thus presents many artists whose name is going to be associated with the Ten Days on the Island programme with a terrible choice: to have their name associated with practices they believe to be wrong, or to say no to being part of events that would normally be of import in the life of Tasmania.

Many will wrestle with their decision. Many of good heart will no doubt see the matter differently than me. But as the months between now and the festival pass, the issue of clearfelling of old growth forests is only going to grow in the minds of Tasmanians. And whether any of us wish it, it is going to find a very public focus when Ten Days on the Island takes place. To take part in any events associated with Ten Days on the Island – and regrettably but clearly that means any events existing under its official aegis as part of its official programme – will be interpreted by many on all sides as support of clearfelling of old growth forests.

Whatever position one takes on Forestry Tasmania's sponsorship of Ten Days on the Island, it is difficult to escape the conclusion that it1s practical outcome will be the slow but insidious poisoning of so much that ought be so good. I deeply rue that it has left me, for one, with no other choice but to abstain. For the same reason, and with similar regrets, I am declining several other invitations to to take part in Ten Days on the Island events, including the Tasmanian Readers1 and Writers1 Festival.