Bridget McKenzie (Victoria, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for his question and for the notice he gave that allowed me to get the most up-to-date advice on this topic—and I thank Senator Duniam for that advice. The forestry industry is vital. I am from a timber town, Marysville, in Victoria. The forestry industry underpins the lives and livelihoods of so many Australians. Whether it is in my own home state of Australia; the green triangle in the senator's home state of South Australia, along the western border; the South West Slopes of New South Wales; or the fantastic timber industry of Tasmania, forest products are an integral part of so many rural economies. After all, timber is the ultimate renewable resource—beautiful, natural, strong and replantable. Nothing surpasses it. It is also to the benefit of the environment in regard to carbon sequestration.

The Liberal-National government is committed to working with landholders, businesses, state and territory governments and industry to grow the forestry industry and the Australian plantation estate. Unlike those on the other side, except perhaps for Senator Ciccone, we absolutely want to grow this industry, grow the number of people it employs and grow what we believe is a renewable and sustainable industry for us that is also good for the environment. We'll always listen to their views, and that's why we partner with them. It's important that we acknowledge the issues we face. Timber supply shortages are affecting countries worldwide, and Australia is no exception—