The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) welcomes the Albanese Government's explicit guarantee that projects involving the processing of native forestry products will be eligible for support under the newly established National Reconstruction Fund (NRF).
"We also thank Tasmanian Senators Jacqui Lambie and Tammy Tyrrell for their efforts to support native forestry during negotiations on the legislation," Chief Executive Officer of AFPA Joel Fitzgibbon said today.
"The Greens amendments removing sustainable native forest harvesting eligibility under the NRF legislation was a stunt with no practical effect but with JLN support we were able to secure comfort on the value-adding front.
"I also thank Coalition MPs and Senators for their ongoing support for our sector.
"Australia's sustainable native forest industries should be recognised as a beacon, operating to world class environmental standards while producing essential products that we cannot live without. They also employ many thousands of people, especially in rural and regional Australia and allow Australians to access essential native timber and fibre products that would otherwise come from less environmentally reputable supply chains internationally.
"I look forward to continuing to work with all Members and Senators across our Federal Parliament to ensure a strong, resilient and sustainable future for Australia's world class native forest industries," Joel Fitzgibbon concluded.
