A Peter Dutton government will not support additional bans on native forestry, introduce ‘Country of Origin’ labelling for timber, and remove all public funding from the controversial Environmental Defenders Office.
These are just some of several policies released by the Coalition opposition less than two weeks before the Australian Federal Election. Today, Peter Dutton vowed to establish permanent timber production zones to support plantation and native timber and invest $40 million into a new Timber Manufacturing Program.
“This is a welcome package demonstrating the Liberal-National Parties’ commitment to plantation and native forestry and our downstream processing and manufacturing cogs of the supply chain,” said Diana Hallam, the CEO of the Australian Forest Products Association. “It’s an excellent start from the Coalition for what Australia’s forest industries need to realise their potential for the economy, local communities, the climate and Aussie and export consumers into the future.”
Amongst the key electoral commitments include the categorical support for native forestry, an industry under intense attack from environmental groups: “The Australians that rely on the native forestry industry deserve to know that the next Federal Government—whatever their political stripes—have their back,” Ms Hallam said, adding that the peak body for forest products was asking all sides of politics to sign up to it’s Australian Timber. Australia’s Future Election Platform in the lead up to April 17.
“Country of Origin labelling is an important reform that allows consumers to choose to buy Australian timber and understand the potential environmental implications of imported timber. With more dubious, imported products in the Australian marketplace, it’s critical that consumers can compare the origins of their products,” Ms Hallam said.
Whilst funding for manufacturing expansion will allow the industry to do more with its existing timber resource and boost capability across the industry: “The commitment for permanent timber production zones boosts sovereign capability in timber and wood-fibre, especially by enhancing the standing of much-needed new timber plantations.”
The commitment comes days after the Australian supply chain for forest products challenged Prime Minister Albanese and Dutton to support the country’s hardwood industry: “The time has come for Federal Labor and the Coalition to express their unequivocal support for Australia’s native forestry sector and that they’ll stand by that support in the event of a hung parliament next term,” Ms Hallam said on Friday. “These are essential industries Australia cannot live without and require strong Commonwealth support and a political mandate to operate.”
Wood Central understands the Coalition commitments include:
- Country of Origin labelling for wood – so consumers know where what they’re buying comes from
- Supporting Australia’s native forestry industries, stating – “A Dutton Government will not support any further bans on native forestry.”
- Establishing Permanent Timber Production Zones to support ongoing and reliable access to plantation and native timber
- $40 million in grants to establish a new Timber Manufacturing Expansion Program, where mills must utilise wood from their own region
- Removing public funding from the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO), cracking down on hollow activist lawfare and ensuring only sensible regulation that properly considers economic and social benefits
For more information about Australian Timber. Australia’s Future Election Platform, click here for Wood Central’s feature.
