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The Tasmanian Forest Products Association (TFPA) has welcomed further commitments to Australia’s diverse and sustainable forest industry by the Liberal National Coalition ahead of the 2025 federal election. Source: Timberbiz Following on from their commitments to protect existing forestry quotas, to defund the environmental lawfare organisation the Environmental Defenders Office, and to back the future of the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme (TFES) to the tune of $65 million, Shadow Forestry Minister and Tasmanian Senator Jonno Duniam committed last week to maintaining the existing Regional Forestry Agreements. Speaking with TFPA Chief Executive Officer, Nick Steel, Senator Duniam outlined the Liberals “ironclad commitment” to stick the RFAs if elected in the May election. “Supporting RFAs means supporting our environment, the jobs and communities that rely on this industry,” Senator Duniam said. The commitment was welcomed by Mr Steel, who said, the existing RFA model holds the state’s forestry businesses to the highest level of scrutiny and ensures the industry is a leader the world on environmental and sustainability standards. “It’s a tough system, but our industry knows it’s the best way to manage our forests, as well as to ensure certainty for our businesses. That’s why we’ve welcomed Senator Duniam’s announcement,” Mr Steel said. “We’re now calling on Labor to show the same commitment to the thousands of Tasmanians across our state who are employed by our forestry businesses and back our existing Tasmanian RFA. “It’s the best way to protect their jobs and strengthen the scores of local communities across the state who rely on Tasmanian forestry to thrive.”

The timber workers’ union has welcomed the announcement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of a $24 million investment to secure the future of the Boyer Paper Mill in Tasmania. Source: Timberbiz The funding is a vote of confidence in the workers at Boyer and workers in the Tasmanian forestry and timber sector including over 100 harvest and haulage workers in the mill’s supply chain. Boyer, North-West of Hobart is the site of the last Australian producer of newsprint and communication paper – a vital capability that ensures Australia is not fully dependent on imports. “This is a win for Tasmanian timber and manufacturing workers,” said National Secretary of the soon to be Timber Furnishing Textiles Union (TFTU). “It shows this Labor Government gets it – they understand that backing local jobs matters. “Boyer is part of the beating heart of Tasmania’s forest products and timber industry. This investment means real jobs, in real communities, with a real future.” Mr O’Connor also thanked Labor’s candidate for Lyons, Rebecca White. “Rebecca White has always backed forestry, timber and manufacturing jobs – her strong advocacy has helped make this possible, and that’s a good sign for Tasmanians if she’s elected,” he said. Electrifying the site will cut emissions and future-proof the mill’s operations, ensuring it keeps delivering the forest products Australians rely on. “Only Labor has a plan to back timber and forest products manufacturing and secure a future made in Australia.” “This announcement shows what’s possible when government backs local industry – a strong forestry sector and a strong future for pulp, paper and bioproducts manufacturing right here in Tasmania” concluded Mr O’Connor said.