Ministerial Release
Good news on the legality of PNG timber
27th March, 2007
The Papua New Guinea Forest Industries Association (PNG FIA) has announced their intention to develop a system that independently verifies the legality of timber produced in PNG.
Australian Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation, Senator Abetz, today welcomed the announcement by PNG FIA, noting that such a system would counteract claims from some sectors about the illegality of timber harvesting in PNG.
"Once the system is in place, PNG Forest Industries Association timber producers will be required to provide documentary evidence of the origin of logs and of official permits to log the forest," Senator Abetz said.
"One of the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, Swiss-based SGS, will provide an independent audit of the authenticity of these documents to verify that timber products were legally produced.
"I commend the PNG FIA for taking steps, including consultation with key stakeholders, to prove that they are being responsible about their forestry practices and can refute some of the claims made about forestry in PNG.
"Continuing allegations of illegal logging in PNG are damaging to the forest industry and economy of PNG. The new system will provide the necessary assurances to markets and consumers that timber exports from PNG are in fact legally sourced."
The Australian Government is strongly opposed to illegal logging and is currently developing practical measures to assist south east Asian and Pacific countries combat illegal logging as part of this policy.
"PNG's initiative is all the more welcome because it complements the policy being developed by the Howard Government to reduce the amount of illegally sourced forest products imported into Australia," Senator Abetz said.