Labor conference rejects push to end native forest logging

by Matt Hrkac | Aug 17, 2023 | Climate Justice, Forests, Social Justice

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The National Labor Conference, the national decision and policy-making body of the Australian Labor Party (ALP), has rejected rank-and-file calls for an end to native forest logging.

According to the Labor Environment Action Network (LEAN), leading up to the national conference, more than 300 ALP branches across the country passed draft motions calling for an end to logging and land clearing.

Furthermore, according to research initiated by the Australia Institute, three in four ALP voters support a ban on native forest logging, as do a significant majority of voters.

In its place, a motion was passed by delegates calling on the Albanese government to 'rewrite the National Forest Statement'.

"Labor supports the sustainable future of Australia's forests and forest products industry and recognises the value of our forests in storing carbon and protecting biodiversity", the watered down motion reads.

"Labor will work with states and territories to update the 1992 National Forest Policy Statement to ensure it's contemporary and fit for purpose."

https://matthrkac.com.au\//2023/08/12/nationwide-rallies-call-for-an-end-to-native-forest-logging/

“This is Labor ignoring its own voter base in favour of corporate loggers and woodchippers of native forests", Former federal parliamentary leader of the Australian Greens and environmental campaigner, Bob Brown, said in a statement.

"Australia could and should move to a totally plantation-based future, as New Zealand Labour did in 2002."

Brown said that “this will be a vote-loser for Labor at the next election.”

More to come.

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Greens candidates Emilie Flynn (Geelong) and Jesse Holden (Polwarth) standing with MLC Sarah Mansfield

Greens candidate Emilie Flynn (Geelong) standing with MLC Sarah Mansfield

Greens candidates Emilie Flynn (Geelong) and Jesse Holden (Polwarth)

Greens candidate Jesse Holden (Polwarth) standing with MLC Sarah Mansfield

Matt Hrkac

Matt Hrkac brings more than 10 years of photographic experience in covering fast paced events and creating stunning imagery. Geelong born and bred, he predominantly works throughout Melbourne and across Victoria, and occasionally interstate as well. His work has appeared in numerous local, national and international publications.

1 Comment

on September 30, 2023 at 10:29 am

Thanks Matt for covering this exasperating issue. Any ideas why ALP persists in logging, even escalating recently given it has no social licence, is uneconomic, hastens extinction of many species, is unsustainable, removes excellent, (proven to work economically on scale) carbon capture and storage devices (trees) and increases emissions with burning residue and most ends up as low value wood chips, firewood and pallets. Very little is used in building and very few jobs involved due to mechanisation.

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