NATIVE FOREST — LOGGING
689. Hon TJORN SIBMA to the minister representing the
Minister for Environment:
I
refer to yesterday's joint media statement headed ''McGowan
Government's historic move to protect native forests'',
which has effectively and abruptly ended the native timber industry in Western Australia.
(1) Why did the government not take
this policy to the March election?
(2) Why was the
industry not consulted or at the very least advised of the government's
decision prior to yesterday's announcement?
Hon
MATTHEW SWINBOURN replied:
I thank the member for some notice
of the question. I provide the following information on behalf of the minister
representing the Minister for Environment.
(1) The policy direction for the forthcoming Forest
management plan 2024–2033 was a government decision.
Questions regarding campaign decisions should be referred to the relevant
party.
(2) The Minister
for Environment and the Minister for Forestry meet regularly with stakeholders,
including industry. The government is required
to establish a policy direction for the forthcoming Forest management
plan 2024–2033.
The
development of the Forest management plan 2014–2023 includes
extensive consultation with industry stakeholders over an extended
period of 12 to 18 months.