AFPA has echoed concerns by the Nationals that the Federal Government is failing to address or act on the continued flow of Russian conflict timber entering Australia.
The concerns follow Senate Estimates revelations that the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) considers the presence of Russian timber to be "not necessarily an issue for illegality" under Australia's illegal logging laws.
AFPA Acting CEO Richard Hyett said there are serious questions about the effectiveness of Australia's response to sanctioned Russian timber imports.
"We have continued to raise this issue with the Government and Department. We support the comments made at the Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH) mill in Heyfield today by Nationals Leader Matt Canavan and Deputy Leader Darren Chester highlighting the need to urgently address the growing problem of Russian conflict timber entering Australia," Mr Hyett said.
The Department's 2023-24 trial found about one in four timber products tested did not match their declared species, origin or both, however DAFF confirmed it had not tested a single sample under the illegal logging laws this year, had tested no consignments for Russian content and had the equivalent of just 2.2 full-time staff working on compliance.
"We estimate up to 100,000 cubic metres of timber products imported into Australia each year could contain Russian-sourced fibre, potentially contributing to the construction of 15,000 homes, with particular risks in blended products such as laminated veneer lumber and plywood," Mr Hyett said.
"This latest evidence suggests significant volumes of Russian timber continue to find their way into the Australian market, despite existing sanctions."
Recent forensic analysis by Source Certain has also detected Russian fibre at locations around the world, often accompanied by sustainability and traceability certificates that were cancelled following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
"We want to see a better testing regime and Country of Origin labelling along with strengthening border checks to identify and stop rerouted timber before it reaches Australian businesses and consumers.
"We simply want to see a level playing field and transparency in the claims being made."
