The decision by Bunnings to stop selling Australian timber sourced from VicForests is disappointing and wrong.
Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said Australian jobs would be lost as a consequence of Bunnings’ ill-advised action.
“Bunnings shelves will be stacked with more imported timber, rather than Australian grown structural hardwood timber, Australian solid timber panels and Australian kitchen benchtops,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.
“This decision will cost many hundreds of jobs across harvesting, sawmills and processing, particularly in our regional communities.
“Bunnings is kicking Australia’s timber industry while it’s down, and at a time when Australian companies and Australians should be backing Australian products and supporting Australian jobs.
“VicForests is globally recognised for its forest practices, and is certified according to the highest standards under the world’s largest forestry certification scheme, the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).
“I have urged Bunnings to reverse this decision, to choose Australian timber over imported timber and to back Australian jobs, as the nation begins to rebuild in the wake of COVID-19.
“The Morrison Government has a plan to grow our world-class and world-leading sustainable forestry industry, and to support the hardworking and honest Australians who work in it. Bunnings’ decision flies in the face of this.”