Forestry Industry

Ciccone supported the forestry industry, stating that Australia is a global leader in sustainable forest management and that the sector aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2029. Ciccone highlighted that timber construction has a lower carbon profile than steel and concrete, and that plantations alone cannot meet domestic demand. Ciccone warned that banning native logging would increase dependence on imports, including Russian timber entering via third countries, which undermines sanctions and supports conflict.

Pocock argued that native forest logging is an outdated practice that destroys natural heritage and relies on billions in taxpayer bailouts across Tasmania, Victoria, and New South Wales. Pocock contended that the industry is no longer profitable and that workers could be transitioned to plantation forestry, tourism, or land management. Pocock emphasised that the vast majority of native forest timber is used for low-value products like woodchips, and that protecting forests is in the nation's self-interest.

Dolega stated that the federal government does not subsidise native forestry operations, which are managed by state governments, but highlighted nearly $600 million in federal investments to support the sector's sustainability and growth. Dolega argued that ending native forestry would increase reliance on imports and fail to address housing demand, as plantations cannot meet current needs. Dolega noted that production native forests are a net carbon sink and that forestry workers play a critical role in fire management and hazard reduction.

Whish-Wilson criticised the use of taxpayer funds to subsidise native forest logging, citing revelations that Victorian transition funds were used to purchase Tasmanian logs. Whish-Wilson argued that the freight subsidies displace tourists and that the industry relies on public money to continue operations. Whish-Wilson advocated for plantation timber to meet domestic needs while leaving old-growth forests untouched, dismissing arguments about import substitution as flawed.

Shoebridge condemned the use of public money intended to end native forest logging to instead subsidise its continuation, particularly in Tasmania and New South Wales. Shoebridge highlighted the ecological value of these forests and the efforts of campaigners to protect areas like Glenbog State Forest. Shoebridge called for the protection of biodiverse regions and an end to subsidies that enable destructive logging practices.