Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

In relation to the first part, I provided you with the brief that I have, Senator Rice. But, as I said to you at the outset, you put a range of facts or assertions to me in your opening question which I don't have any further advice on, and if there's anything I can usefully add to that, I will come back to the chamber and do so. I will check with the minister. But, in relation to native forests, I again say that I think the nub of the question from you is that there is a difference of views in relation to the native forestry sector. The government recognise the immense value of our native forests, including as habitat for endangered animals and species, such as the swift parrot; however, we do support a sustainable native forest sector. We were clear about that before the last election. We want to make sure that it operates on the high standards for environment management and sustainable harvesting.