13 December 2012
DAFF12/442L
Government, industry and community groups have joined together to discuss the benefits of the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act that passed through Parliament last month.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, was at Bunnings Warehouse Stafford in Brisbane to discuss the devastating impacts of illegal logging but also Australia’s work to tackle the problem.
“Australia is taking leadership on this issue and importantly, there is wide support for that action,” Minister Ludwig said.
“Today I was joined by community groups, like Greenpeace and the Uniting Church, as well as industry representatives, Bunnings and Kimberley Clark, to discuss the importance of Australia taking action on this important matter.”
Bunnings General Manager of Trade, Rod Caust, welcomed the legislation.
“Over the past decade we have supported a ban on the sale of illegally logged timber in Australia,” he said.
“Bunnings is pleased to see that this law has been passed as it is a big step towards this goal.”
Greenpeace spokesperson, Reece Turner, said Greenpeace has been seen the damage of illegal logging first hand.
“The impacts of illegal logging are devastating for forests and communities that rely upon them.
“Greenpeace congratulates the Government on these new laws and welcomes the Government’s commitment to support capacity building with trading partners in the Asia Pacific region.”
Minister Ludwig said the government was continuing to engage with a wide range of groups as the regulations were developed, including those who met together today in Brisbane.
“It is estimated nine per cent of Australia’s timber and timber product imports are at risk of coming from illegally logged sources,” Minister Ludwig said.
“We need to work here and abroad to support a legal timber trade.”
For more information view the illegal logging information.
