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Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 499 asked in the Legislative Council on 15 May 2019 by Hon Colin Holt

Parliament: 40 Session: 1

SANDALWOOD HARVEST

499. Hon COLIN HOLT to the Minister for Environment:

I refer to sandalwood harvesting contracts.

(1) Can the minister confirm that Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions has issued only a one-year sandalwood harvesting licence to the Forest Products Commission; and, if not, what is the correct licence time frame?

(2) Can the minister confirm that the harvesting of sandalwood by native title holders is now considered part of the 90 per cent crown land allocation?

(3) How will the government balance the needs of the developing Aboriginal sandalwood companies with those of the Forest Products Commission?

(4) What concerns does the minister have if the Forest Products Commission applies for and is granted a three-year or longer harvesting licence, leaving other sandalwood harvesting licence holders with limited access to sandalwood, potentially putting Aboriginal businesses at risk?

Hon STEPHEN DAWSON replied:

I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question.

(1) The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions has not issued a licence to the Forest Products Commission. The department of has issued one-year licences to Forest Products Commission contractors. These are set to expire on 30 June 2019.

(2) This matter is under consideration. The department is working with stakeholders, including the Forest Products Commission and Aboriginal groups, on the allocation of the sandalwood resource to ensure a sustainable sandalwood industry.

(3)–(4) These questions should be directed to the Minister for Forestry.