The Victorian Greens have slammed Jacinta Allan's Labor Government for subsidising logging companies who are now logging in Tasmania.
It comes after it was revealed that Powelltown Sawmills, which received $9 million in compensation from the Victorian government, has been exporting native timber from Tasmania to Victoria.
Native Forest logging was banned in Victoria at the start of 2024 after decades of campaigning from The Greens, environmental and First Nations groups.
Last year the Victorian Greens made the referral to the Victorian Auditor-General's Office (VAGO) to investigate the Labor Government's $875 million in native timber transition payouts, which the Greens suspected were going to logging in Tasmanian native forests rather than supporting workers into sustainable jobs.
As stated by Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:
"This is deceitful and dodgy. This money was supposed to be used to support workers transitioning into sustainable jobs, instead millions are going to logging native forests in Tasmania."
"Protecting native forests means nothing to Jacinta Allan's Labor Government. They promised to end logging but Victorian mills are still piled high with timber from native forests, and our forests still have no permanent legal protection.
