The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) welcomes the passage through the Senate of the Albanese Government’s new national illegal logging laws, AFPA Chief Executive Officer, Diana Hallam said today.
“Illegal timber not only undermines the environmental sustainability of the forest products industry, but also undermines our domestic biosecurity protections that safeguard Australia’s environment,” Ms Hallam said.
“AFPA supports the strengthening of the illegal logging laws to ensure Australia has a robust regime that requires importing businesses to source timber harvested from legal sources using sustainable practices.
“We thank the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP, and the Assistant Minister, Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm for the work they have undertaken to give effect to the new laws. We also thank Opposition Spokesman Senator the Hon Jono Duniam for listening to industry concerns and working with the government in a constructive, bipartisan approach.
“These reforms are particularly timely. Off the back of the unfortunate native forestry industry closures in Victoria and Western Australia, Australia has seen a considerable increase in the volume of imported hardwoods and it’s critical the proper enforcement regime and penalties are in place if there’s any doubt as to the source,” Ms Hallam said.
“To further strengthen the laws we believe Country of Origin labelling must be introduced for timber, in line with the Australian Government’s due diligence importing processes. The labelling should indicate the country where the timber was grown so Australian consumers can be better informed and aware when purchasing timber products.
“Applying Country of Origin labelling for timber and timber products would:
o increase transparency of supply,
o strengthen the effectiveness of illegal logging laws,
o halt trade from conflict countries and
o ensure Australian consumers are not supporting deforestation.
“The integrity of our timber and fibre products is paramount. When grown, harvested and processed properly, as we do in Australia, these products represent the height of sustainability, but when corners are cut, it can be environmentally damaging and undermine Australian jobs,” Diana Hallam concluded.
ENDS
