Kristy McBain (Eden-Monaro, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories) Share this | Hansard source

The government accepts the non-government amendment proposed in the House by the honourable member for Kooyong, Dr Ryan MP. I'm satisfied that it is reasonable and appropriate to provide an independent, five-year review of the operation of the act that could examine whether the substantial reforms contained in the act relating to sampling, auditing and notifications are operating effectively. The bill addresses the challenges identified in recent reviews of Australia's illegal logging laws and provides for measures that will strengthen the act and ensure that it is fit for purpose now and into the future. The amendments contained in the bill have been developed with a view to implementing best practice and learning from the developments with similar laws overseas. An independent review within five years will provide a further opportunity to consider whether Australia's laws continue to reflect international best practice.

Let's be clear: we need a significant forestry industry in this country. The housing construction industry, with the supply of trusses, floorboards and other materials to build the houses we need in this country, has to continue. We need to make sure that we have a viable and sustainable forestry industry into the future, and that is something the government supports.

Question agreed to.

Bill, as amended, agreed to.

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