Australia’s forest industries welcome new Federal Industry Minister Angus Taylor and Assistant Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Tim Wilson who take on new portfolios in today’s ministerial reshuffle, Acting CEO of the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) Victor Violante said.
“AFPA has worked closely with Angus Taylor as Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, and the addition of the Industry portfolio to his responsibilities is a natural fit as the Federal Government looks to strengthen the link between innovation and reducing Australia’s emissions,” Mr Violante said.
“As Australia’s sixth largest manufacturing sector, our modern timber and paper products manufacturers are at the forefront of contributing to Australia’s net zero emissions ambitions, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with Minister Taylor in this new capacity.
“Minister Taylor has been instrumental in opening up carbon market opportunities for Australia’s sustainable forestry plantations, and the Industry portfolio will allow us to broaden that conversation to look at how our sustainable forest product manufacturers can contribute more to Australia’s low-emissions future.
“Australia’s forest industries already provide low-emission materials for the building and construction sector, and rapidly expanding sustainable packaging industries, contributing more than $24 billion annually to the Australian economy, and employing more than 120,000 people.
“Our industries are well-placed to capitalise on the growing global demand for the next generation of wood-based products to replace plastics and other non-renewable materials and chemicals and we look forward to working with Ministers Taylor and Wilson on these opportunities,” Mr Violante concluded.
