19 May 2009
DAFF09/248B

The Rudd Government continued its engagement with the forestry sector this week, with a meeting of the Forest and Wood Products Council.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke chaired the meeting, which was an opportunity to discuss important issues facing the sector.

The agenda was amended to allow for discussions on the potential impact of Great Southern going into voluntary administration on jobs, investment and rural communities.

Mr Burke said there needed to be a strong focus on the impact on industry and jobs and he will seek a briefing on Great Southern from the administrators.

Other key issues discussed included the Government’s progress on implementing election commitments for preparing Australian forest industries for the future.

Council members were updated on the Forest Industries Development Fund and the development of guidelines for forestry-specific climate change research.

Industry was asked to provide regular updates to the Government on employment in the sector, including any areas in which jobs may not be secure.

The council also discussed ongoing efforts by Australia to work with regional neighbours to tackle illegal logging.