Ricky Muir (Victoria, Australian Motoring Enthusiast Party) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Finance, Senator Cormann. Paper products, such as the one I am currently reading from, are made by Australian Paper, in the Latrobe Valley, which is subject to chain of custody certification which is globally endorsed by the Program for Endorsement of Forest Certification. They have one of the highest rates of certification of any paper manufacturer globally. Under the Australian Government ICT Sustainability Plan 2010-2015 all federal government departments were to procure 100 per cent recycled paper. As a result of this policy Australian Paper invested in a de-inking and recycling plant to accommodate government demand for recycled paper. Given Australian Paper's high environmental standards on a global scale, can the minister inform the Senate what steps the government is willing to take to ensure procurement connected policies are urgently addressed to support the long-term security of jobs and manufacturing in Australia upon the ceasing of the government's 100 per cent recycling commitment?