The forestry sector is being locked out of seeing crucial documents related to the development of the ‘Improved Native Forest Management in Multiple-Use Public Forests (INFM) ahead of a public consultation hidden in summer holiday season.
Held by Australian National University (ANU), the information was first requested by the industry body, Australian Forest Products Association, back in July through a Freedom of Information request. ANU has since expended all its options to block access including a practical refusal which was given just this week.
Nationals Senator for New South Wales, and Shadow Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Water, and Emergency Management, Ross Cadell, described the move by Australian National University as another deep cut in the sustainability of the nation’s native timber industry.
“Our forestry sector is already fighting for survival amidst the recently announced radical changes to the EPBC Act, and confirmation that Labor is seeking a 99% reduction in native forest harvesting to achieve it’s 2035 emissions targets,” Cadell said.
“Australia’s forestry sector should be worrying about supplying enough timber to build the homes we desperately need, not having to fight to access industry relevant paperwork.
“By avoiding transparency, ANU have made this about themselves.
“The instrument under review has already been criticised for lacking integrity and now here we have one of the nation’s top universities doing its bit to hide in the shadows.
The official consultation period for the instrument opens on January 2, with the final opportunity for industry to voice concerns Friday 30 January. Senator Cadell added the behaviour of ANU set a dangerous precedent for future FOI requests in Australia.
“Hiding a consultation period in the middle of school holidays while large swathes of workers are at home with their families is a disservice and wreaks of an attempt to rush through changes without adequate feedback,” Cadell said.
“Time is running out for the forestry sector to consider these critical changes and without access to critical documents finds itself trying to read with their eyes closed.
“If ANU can avoid scrutiny using the existing freedom of information legislation, what will happen if Labor passes its proposed changes to the legislation.
“Under Labor, you lose your right to know the truth.”
