Australia’s native forestry sector appears to have been cut down deep in the paperwork after Climate Change Authority boss, Brad Archer, told a Senate Estimates hearing that a 99% reduction in native forest harvesting was required to achieve the Government’s 2035 targets.
The revelation comes less than a week after a dirty deal between Labor and The Greens saw controversial changes to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act pass the Senate. The changes included the announcement of a $300 million support package for the industry.
Federal Nationals Senator for New South Wales, and Shadow Minister for Water, Fisheries and Forestry, and Emergency Management, Ross Cadell, said the comments by Mr Archer proved Labor never had any interest in growing the industry, only toppling it to the ground. He added the timing of this announcement would leave many workers without certainty ahead of the festive season.
“Tonight, forestry workers are heading home wondering whether they will have a job tomorrow,” Cadell said.
“This is the second major blow in just two weeks the forestry sector has worn and leave workers with no surety with Christmas on the horizon.
“Australia has one of the world’s best forestry industries when it comes to modern sustainable practices and environmental stewardship but can’t take a trick from this Labor Government.
“Last week they trumpeted the importance of the sector, but at the same time have been cutting away its future deep in the fine print of their 2035 targets.
“When will this Government realise killing forestry will push up prices and cost Australian jobs?
Mr Archer also told the Senate Estimates hearing that “a 50 per cent reduction in secondary forest conversion,” and a “100 per cent reduction in primary forest conversion,” was required to meet the targets.
Cadell said the information proved how deeply rooted ideology of The Greens had been embedded within the Climate Change Authority and Labor Government.
“While Labor last week pranced around talking up its plan, it secretly knew that thanks to The Greens it was killing off Australian jobs and a crucial Australian industry.
“It seems Anthony Albanese has forgotten the letter he sent in 2022 declaring he “will not shut down the native forestry sector in Tasmania”
“Labor’s dirty relationship with The Greens has struck down more Australian jobs.”
