Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Rice. In the three questions I've received from Senator Rice we've had a discussion about Labor Party internal machinations and the activities of state governments. I repeat my statement that the Albanese government supports a sustainable forestry industry that includes plantation developments which are expanding on our watch, as opposed to falling under the coalition government. We recognise there is a need and a place for native forestry in terms of our timber mix. I'm not sure where the Greens propose we would obtain some of those timber and wood products from if their position was to be adopted. We are serious about supporting plantation development, and that's why we're investing over $70 million in new plantation development. It's why we're in the process of removing the water rule—something introduced by the National Party at the expense of the plantation industry. (Time expired)