The peak body for the forest, wood and paper products industry congratulates Malcolm Turnbull and Julie Bishop on their election as Leader and Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), Mr Ross Hampton said, “We look forward to working with the Coalition to progress the interests of the Australian forest products industry.”
“As the Prime Minister considers the make-up of his Ministry, I urge him to reinstate a full Minister for Forestry and Forest Products.” “Under the Howard Government (1998 to 2007) Australia had a Minister for Forestry. When the Coalition was returned to Government in 2013, responsibility for forestry was given to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture.”
“Our forestry and forest industries contribute more than $21 billion to the economy and employ, across the full value chain, more than 120,000 Australians. The sector, like the rest of Agriculture, is one of the big bets for growth and export income for Australia. In a carbon constrained global economy placing a premium on renewable resources, the products of our sustainable forestry operations in Australia have the potential to play a far greater role.”
“A dedicated Minister would deliver the focus and elevation that would help us ensure this vision for growth and productivity, especially in rural and regional Australia, is realised,” said Mr Hampton.
16.09.2015 Prime Minister Turnbull should reinstate Minister for Forestry