The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) congratulates Member for Franklin Julie Collins MP on her appointment today as Shadow Agriculture Minister, which includes the forestry portfolio.
AFPA Deputy CEO Victor Violante said Ms Collins brings an understanding of the importance of the forestry sector to the national economy and to her home state of Tasmania.
“As a Tasmanian MP representing an electorate where forestry is a major industry, I have no doubt Ms Collins understands its importance,” Mr Violante said.
“AFPA has a positive working relationship with the Federal Labor Party and its MPs and Senators, and I have no doubt this will continue with Ms Collins in this important role.”
Mr Violante said he looked forward to meeting with Ms Collins soon to brief her on the opportunities and challenges facing Australia’s forest products industries and the 180,000 workers across its full value chain.
“Like many industries, last year was challenging for forestry, with the Black Summer bushfires, the impact of COVID-19 on the housing market and other commodities, and the ongoing trade tensions with China,” Mr Violante said.
“I am confident that Ms Collins is well placed to build on the Federal Labor Party’s pro-forestry platform that has led to bipartisanship on key issues ranging from the Regional Forest Agreements, to allowing plantations to participate in the carbon market.”
Mr Violante also acknowledged the work done by outgoing agriculture spokesperson Ed Husic and congratulated him on his appointment as Shadow Minister for Innovation and Industry.
“Mr Husic visited several forest industry regions in recent months and saw first-hand some of the modern, innovative timber processing operations that we have in Australia, and I look forward to continuing to work with Mr Husic in his new role,” Mr Violante concluded.
The original media release is here: Media Release – AFPA congratulates Julie Collins on appointment as Shadow Agriculture Minister