The Albanese Labor Government is continuing to strengthen our illegal logging regime with the Illegal Logging Prohibition Amendment (Strengthening Measures to Prevent Illegal Timber Trade) Bill 2024 currently before the Senate.
This legislation will be supported by new rules to replace the current Illegal Logging Prohibition Regulation 2012 when it expires on 1 April 2025 which are now open for comment.
Before the Regulation, around 10% of timber imported to Australia each year was estimated illegally logged, undercutting the prices of sustainably grown timber by 7-16%.
That's why Australia was one of the first countries to introduce laws targeting illegal timber trade.
The Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 and accompanying regulation aimed to reduce the harmful impacts of illegal logging and ensure that Australia's sustainable forest industries are not damaged by illegally harvested products entering our market.
As the regulation is coming up to its expiration date, new rules will be put in place to protect the industry and promote sustainable forest management.
The draft rules aim to maintain the effectiveness of the current laws while simplifying the due diligence requirements and reduce the regulatory burden.
Stakeholders have an opportunity to comment on the draft rules before they are finalised at https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/illegal-logging-laws
The consultation process is open until 13 September 2024.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:
"Illegal logging has negative effects on supply chains, business decisions, industry profitability, investment, and jobs in the Australian economy.
"These rules will help to protect the sustainability of this industry and the workforce involved, and secure stronger economic growth.
"It's important that we get feedback from regulated entities and other stakeholders on the draft rules.
"Feedback will ensure we are striking the right balance of reducing the regulatory burden and upholding the objectives of the legislation to prevent illegally logged timber entering our market.
"The forestry industry plays a crucial role in supporting rural and regional employment, which is why the Albanese Labor Government will continue to back the industry."
