The Greens will make ending native forest logging a key demand of minority government after the upcoming Federal Election.
Former Greens Leader Bob Brown joined the Greens candidates for their Victorian target seats of Macnamara and Wills at Toolangi State Forest yesterday, together with Greens Leader Adam Bandt, to help launch the push. Bob Brown was also the key speaker at a Greens 'The Environment Election' public meeting at St Kilda Town Hall in Macnamara on Thursday evening.
Toolangi had been a site of native timber logging until the start of 2024, when the Victorian Government finally brought an end to the destructive practice. The Greens want to see native forests, like Toolangi, saved across the country.
The Greens' plan would see the Federal government pay State and Territory governments $500 million a year over 20 years to end native timber logging. The funding would be distributed to States and Territories based on their most recent volume of native timber logging and would go towards restoring forests and supporting a just transition for workers with new, sustainable green jobs.
The plan would abolish existing Regional Forest Agreements and close loopholes in environmental protection laws that enable native forest logging. It would also ensure the carbon value of ending logging isn't traded away to benefit fossil fuel corporations.
A national end to native timber logging and land clearing could save up to 37.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year [1], the same amount of climate pollution prevented as the lifetime impact of putting new rooftop solar on over 400,000 homes. 37.5m tonnes is the equivalent of approximately 8.5% of Australia's annual emissions.
The Bob Brown Foundation is running 'March in March for Forests' across the country ahead of the Federal Election, with rallies being held nationwide.
With the country headed for minority Parliament, and the Greens having already indicated that measures like dental into Medicare and housing reform will be negotiating priorities with Labor, this will be a key environment ask from the party.
As stated by Australian Greens leader Adam Bandt MP:
"With experts predicting minority Parliament, the Greens will keep Peter Dutton out and get Labor to act.
"This election offers a once in a generation chance to protect our forests and environment.
"By supporting workers and communities, we can end native forest logging and help create sustainable jobs.
"With climate pollution higher under Anthony Albanese than Scott Morrison, ending native forest logging will also drive down emissions and help keep safer climate targets within reach."
As stated by former Australian Greens leader Bob Brown:
"The Greens are what we've always been - a dynamic party committed to protecting our environment, acting on climate and working for social justice.
"Saving what is left of our forests and wildlife is an urgent task. Like whaling in 1978, this election should see the logging of our native forests brought to an end."
As stated by Greens candidate for Wills Samantha Ratnam:
"After years of pressure from the community and by the Greens in Parliament, the Victorian Government ended native forest logging. The Greens will make sure the Federal government protects forests right across the country as part of a minority government."
As stated by Greens candidate for Macnamara Sonya Semmens:
"We need to act now to protect our forests. This election is our chance to save these extraordinary places for future generations. A vote for the Greens is a vote to protect our forests, native wildlife and the climate."
As stated by Australian Greens Forests spokesperson Nick McKim:
"More Greens in parliament means more people to fight for nature, and if we are in balance of power the protection of native forests will be front and centre.
"The quickest and easiest way to meet our emissions reduction targets is to stop logging and burning our native forests.
"Logging native forests is heating the planet, driving species into extinction and increasing bushfire risk. There is every good reason to stop logging native forests, and no good reason to continue.
"The time to end native forest logging right around Australia is right now."
