In the wake of a Federal Government investigation into timber imports, Australian consumers are being encouraged to prioritise locally made wood for guaranteed sustainable sourcing.
The investigation found that approximately 25 per cent of imported timber products in Australia were misrepresented regarding their species and country of origin, with some items potentially originating from Russia and containing undisclosed veneers or solid timber.
The findings come amid campaigns from environmental organisations, including the Bob Brown Foundation and the Wilderness Society, calling for a ban on native timber harvesting in Tasmania.
Minister for Business, Industry and Resources Eric Abetz criticised these groups, suggesting their opposition to Tasmanian timber indirectly promotes the use of potentially unregulated, imported wood.
“It is ironic that groups like the Bob Brown Foundation and the Wilderness Society, in their rush to promote the banning of sustainably-harvested native Tasmanian timber, are effectively promoting the use of imported timber of potentially dubious origin,” Abetz stated.
Abetz praised Tasmania’s forestry industry, highlighting the state’s world-class forest management practices.
“Tasmanians can be well pleased with our forestry industry, with both native and plantation timber harvested under stringent practices, ensuring ongoing sustainability,” he said.
He also contrasted Tasmania’s forestry support with other states, asserting that some governments have abandoned timber-dependent communities.
Under the Federal Government’s “2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future,” support continues for Tasmania’s forestry sector, which sustains approximately 5,700 direct and indirect jobs.
Initiatives include expanding the Future Potential Production Forest, investing $5 million to enhance on-island timber processing, and supporting the state’s special species timber sector.
“We make no apologies for backing Tasmania’s sustainable and job-rich timber industry,” Minister Abetz affirmed, urging Australians to prioritize local timber to support sustainability and regional jobs.
