The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) is in full support of such a proposal that would see country of origin labeling on timber. This labeling requirement would extend to timber sold in big box hardware stores. This step is meant to provide potential timber purchasers with information that allows consumers to easily identify the source of their timber. It is consistent with the labeling standards already adopted for food products. The proposal is one of several planks in the Coalition’s campaign strategy, as the Coalition prepares for the 2025 federal election.
Diana Hallam, the chief executive of AFPA, has historically been very supportive of a new labelling system. This new system would help guarantee that all timber grown and harvested in Australia is unambiguously identifiable as such. Imported timber would have to show proof of where it came from, so consumers could buy products that were sourced responsibly. Hallam emphasized the potential positive impact, stating that “we are very conscious there is a cost of living crisis at the moment and a housing crisis and we don’t want to exacerbate that.”
Enhancing Consumer Choices
The proposed labelling system would aim to empower consumers, arming them with the basic information they need to make responsible choices about the timber products they purchase. Jonathan Duniam, the Opposition’s spokesperson for forestry, said the new measure will give people the opportunity to make better informed decisions. “Most Australians would know enough about how good our product is to make the right choice,” he stated.
Though it covers a variety of topics, the initiative is largely framed as a reaction to growing concerns about illegal and unsustainable logging practices. A recent DNA testing trial conducted by the federal Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Department (DAFF) uncovered alarming findings: up to a third of all wood traded globally had been illegally logged. We found that approximately 25 percent of the products we tested were inconsistent with their declared species or harbor unexpected species or origin. This is very concerning for consumers.
Duniam remarked on the importance of transparency in the timber market, saying, “We should be making sure it is clear, whether it is a product that you pick up at Bunnings or Mitre 10, you can see that is a product that has come from an Australian forest.”
Impact on Australian Forestry
The AFPA has long argued that the introduction of country of origin labelling would provide a huge boost to Australian forestry workers. This change would promote environmental sustainability. By promoting the use of Australian timber to consumers, the proposal could support local industries and make a positive step towards decreasing reliance on imported products.
The Coalition is all in on this effort. They intend to pour construction dollars into expanding timber plantations and manufacturing infrastructure. That dovetails with their overall plan, which is focused on building skills across the entire forestry workforce. It proves their deep desire to fund and protect homegrown industries.
Timber sourcing practices are a huge issue right now too. As an example, Bunnings has been called out for procuring Merbau from West Papua when it grows naturally in northern Australia. The proposed labelling changes could shift how retailers present their products, potentially altering the appearance of timber aisles in hardware stores nationwide.
