THE State Labor Party will seek support for the establishment of an inquiry into log exports and the domestic supply to regional processors in the state’s upper house.
In Thursday’s sitting of Parliament, Shadow Forestry Minsiter Clare Scriven indicated the party will seek support for an inquiry, with particular reference to export volume, supply agreements and economic benefits.
Unlike the House of Assembly, the upper house is not controlled by the State Liberals, with any major party requiring the support of at least three of the five crossbench MPs.
Ms Scriven said if supported in State Parliament, the findings of the committee would alleviate industry and community concerns.
“I think it is important that transparency is paramount,” she said.
“We need to look at the past action of the State Government.
“If there are things we need to examine, we will do it.”
She expressed disappointment the motion was not backed by the Liberal Party, particularly MacKillop MP Nick McBride, who ultimately voted along party lines despite supporting it earlier.
Ms Scriven’s disappointment was shared by South Australian Timber Processors Association chair David Quill.
“If the Liberal Party stands for enterprise and all that is important for Australia, why cannot they seen to be supporting an inquiry that ensures Australian wood grown in Australia is used by Australians,” he said.
“We clearly have a situation where some of the small processors are chasing wood and they cannot access it.”
Australian Forest Products Association South Australia branch manager Leon Rademeyer noted the proposed establishment of a parliamentary committee, saying they would keep a “close eye on developments”.
“As the peak body representing the full forestry industries value chain in the state, AFPA SA is committed to progressing the industry holistically, including priority areas like plantation development and domestic timber manufacturing growth,” he said.
“AFPA SA is encouraged by recent federal and state government initiatives in addressing these priorities, including: the establishment of a SA Forest Industry Advisory Council, committing to planting a billion new production trees nationally over the next decade and announcing a forestry industry pilot hub in the Green Triangle region.”
