24 November 2011
The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) says a Bill designed to curb the import of products from illegally logged forests needs to be considered carefully, to ensure it does not impose unnecessary and costly regulation on the Australian wood products industry. The Illegal Logging Prohibition Bill was introduced in the Australian House of Representatives yesterday.AFPA chief executive officer David Pollard says the association is opposed to illegal logging and wants to see the issue addressed, but points out that the Australian forest industry is already subject to the highest standards of legal compliance. It is important that this Bill does not create needless red tape for local producers.
“Australia imports up to $4 billion worth of forest products annually and it has previously been estimated that up to 10 per cent of these imports are from suspect sources. While cracking-down on these imports is important, Australia must also encourage sustainable management practices in overseas forestry operations to emulate the high standards we have here,” said Dr Pollard.
“In addition to stringent environmental planning and regulatory controls, over 90 per cent of Australia’s commercial forests meet internationally recognised voluntary third party certification schemes and standards. Buying local products provide local economic and environmental benefits.
“AFPA will analyse details of the Bill and looks forward to continuing to work with government to ensure that an effective deterrent for illegal logging can be achieved without adversely affecting the competitiveness of local industry.”
Source: AFPA media release