No one should be exporting valuable resource overseas when it can be value added in Australia
The CFMEU has called on Victorian saw millers to agree to changes to their log licenses banning the export of logs to countries such as China. The call has come after saw millers and the Liberal Party have called for the State Government not to export logs to China.
CFMEU Forestry and Furnishing Division National Assistant Secretary Michael O’Connor said that workers in the industry and the Victorian community believed that no one should be exporting valuable resource overseas when it can be value added in Australia.
“We do not want anyone exporting logs overseas when there are local processors that can use the logs here. We do not want the State Government to export logs in the future nor do we want to Victorian saw millers to continue to export logs.” Mr. O’Connor said.
Currently Victorian saw millers in the hard wood sector have log licenses with no restriction for on selling wood which has seen them sell logs to China in recent years.
“The Union believes logs from our native forests are a community resource and therefore that resource must be used to maximise community benefit not the private benefit of a few individuals.” Said Mr. O’Connor.
Mr. O’Connor continued, “If saw millers believe that the State Government should not be selling logs to China then surely the saw millers should not be selling logs to China.”
Mr. O’Connor concluded, “No one involved in the Timber industry should be exporting Victorian jobs by exporting a valuable resource. We therefore call on the Victorian saw millers to lead by example and agree to change their licenses to ban log exports. We are sure the State Government and the Opposition would support such a move.”