Sam Rae (Hawke, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I'll begin by acknowledging the member for Gippsland, opposite, and noting his fierce advocacy for forestry—particularly native forestry—over a very long period of time in this place, which I respect immensely. In doing so I also make note of the member for Lyons, who spoke a little earlier on this same topic. Between them we have two fierce advocates for a sustainable forest industry here in this country from different sides of the parliament. That speaks of the importance of this industry to those of us here. The very great Bob Gordon—those that know him know—tells me that I might be the first forester in the House of Representatives, and I wear that particular mantle with a great deal of humility because, firstly, it's a long time since I donned a hard hat and, secondly, most of my work in the forest sector has been in the policy space. I'm acutely aware that when I hit the bush I need to be respectful.

The Albanese Labor government recognises and values the important contribution the forest industry makes to Australia, particularly in regional areas. We understand that there are families, communities and regional economies that rely on forestry. In my home state of Victoria alone, the forest industry generates nearly 15,000 jobs, almost half of which are in wood product manufacturing. Across the country, nearly 51,000 Australians rely on the forest industry for work. That's why the Albanese Labor government is investing in forestry to support manufacturing, skills, innovation and a sustainable future for the industry.

Unfortunately, the former coalition government failed our forestry sector. Despite coming up with a grand plan for 400,000 hectares of new plantations and a billion trees by 2030, it only reached one per cent of this target before being tossed out by the Australian people last year. This failure to meet the growth need of the industry increased our reliance on imported products. These imports not only come from countries with questionable environmental and workforce standards but they can also undermine the potential of our domestic forest industry. Despite the significant challenge left by the coalition, the Albanese Labor government is wasting no time in delivering the support and investment that our forestry sector needs. The October budget included $300 million in new measures and we're expanding the plantation estate, modernising our manufacturing processes and giving workers the skills they need in a modern, sustainable forestry industry.

In April this year, 34 wood processors from right across Australia were awarded over $100 million to support them in all of their activities. In addition, the Support Plantation Establishment program will see $73.8 million invested in the establishment of up to 36,000 hectares of new plantations.

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