Jan McLucas (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers) Share this | Hansard source

The government did go through a process of considering all representations that were made around the question of a stricter definition. I understand there are a number of systems in place around the world, and the EU is one, but there are others. After consultation, particularly through the Senate committees, we believe we have a very clear definition in the bill. It says:

illegally logged, in relation to timber, means harvested in contravention of laws in force in the place (whether or not in Australia) where the timber was harvested.

The definition was supported by the two Senate committees that considered the bill, who noted:

… a prescriptive definition of illegally logged may have unintended consequences, or may result in some elements of applicable legislation being overlooked or excluded through omission.

The government is of the view that we have the balance right, and we will not be able to support the Greens amendments.