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The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) welcomes Federal Labor’s $24 million election commitment for the Boyer Paper Mill in Tasmania. This funding will help the facility transition the energy source for its boiler infrastructure from coal to electricity along with other essential measures. Source: Timberbiz The commitment also highlights the extreme pressures the forest products sector’s manufacturing operations are under nationally, Chief Executive Officer of AFPA, Diana Hallam said. “We welcome Federal Labor’s commitment to the Boyer Mill announced today – $9 million in upfront support over the next two years and $15 million to deliver mill upgrades over the longer-term. “The facility is a critical forest industry employer in southern Tasmania and Australia’s last local supplier of many publication paper products. “We must however, stress that forestry and forest products is a $24 billion industry, Australia’s 6th largest manufacturing sector and our timber and wood-fibre manufacturing facilities across the country are struggling with rising energy costs. Major national solutions are required from the next Federal Government to address the problem,” Ms Hallam said. “Energy is a major input cost for manufacturing in our sector and has been identified by industry as the biggest single factor that increases wholesale and retail costs for the essential products our sector creates. Like other industries, if we want a sustainable future for climate friendly timber and wood-fibre manufacturing – the price of energy needs to be addressed.” The Boyer Mill is located within the key forestry electorate of Lyons, where Labor candidate Rebecca White holds a slim lead over the Liberals’ Susie Bower according to AFPA commissioned opinion polling released late last week. The polling also showed residents overwhelmingly wanted a Federal Government that would support forestry and the supply chain going forward. “AFPA looks forward to Labor’s broader forestry policies which will be critical for key electorates including Lyons, and we will continue to work with all sides of politics to ensure the next Parliament delivers the best possible outcomes for the country’s sustainable forestry and forest products sector. We are essential for the economy, jobs, communities, the environment and for fighting climate change,” Ms Hallam said.  

Members of the CFMEU Manufacturing Division have voted overwhelmingly to leave the CFMEU and establish an independent union, the Timber, Furnishing and Textiles Union (TFTU). Source: Timberbiz In the AEC-run ballot ordered by the Fair Work Commission, 91.6% of participating members voted Yes to the split. The union will now begin formal steps to complete the demerger and establish Australia’s newest trade union. “Our members have voted for change, for a union that is theirs. One that reflects their industries, their values, and their future” said Michael O’Connor, National Secretary of the soon-to-be-established TFTU. “This is about building a better union—worker-led, transparent, and free from the influence of the CFMEU’s construction division.” In an extremely high turnout for a non-compulsory union ballot almost 50% of members voted with 3553 voting Yes and only 324 voting No. The vote was made possible by legislation passed last year in Federal Parliament, championed by Senator Jacqui Lambie and Minister Tony Burke, and supported by all MPs except Adam Bandt and the Greens. “Members won’t forget how all MPs voted with integrity to give workers a say on their future, except Adam Bandt and the Greens, who disgracefully backed John Setka ahead of workers. “We thank Senator Lambie, Minister Burke, and all MPs who backed our members’ right to choose their future.” This result follows a years-long campaign led by delegates and members who demanded a clean break and a stronger union. “This isn’t just a name change. It’s a structural and cultural shift towards more independence, integrity, and member control,” Mr O’Connor said. “Delegates and members drove this campaign from the ground up. They’ll be central to what comes next.” “The TFTU will carry forward the proud traditions of the Manufacturing Division and its predecessor timber, furnishing trade, pulp and paper, and textile, clothing and footwear unions, while forging a bold new path for its members as a proud part of Australia’s trade union movement,” Mr O’Connor said.