00:02The timber for these guitars being crafted in Box Hill comes from Victorian trees and
00:07those felled overseas.
00:08The Coalition changing its tune on the future of native timber logging in the state.
00:13We understand that the native timber industry is not returning to what it was.
00:18Four years ago the opposition promised to reopen a sector that was due to close in 2030.
00:24But in 2023 the Andrews government bought the axe down sooner, closing it at the end of
00:30that year.
00:31The state paying $1.5 billion to industry to transition away from Victorian native timber.
00:37Last night Four Corners revealed the transition fund and compensation was being used by Victorian
00:43mills to import native timber logs from Tasmania.
00:45How the business then chooses to source its supply is a matter for those businesses.
00:53Labor has not put enough conditions on that money and let some of those mills and some
00:58of the industry just continue importing logs.
01:01There's nothing preventing businesses doing that.
01:04The Greens will introduce laws to ban Victorian mills from importing native timber for processing.
01:10The State Auditor General also raised red flags with the transition fund, slamming a lack
01:16of record keeping, verification of eligibility for payments and monitoring to ensure funds
01:21were used properly.
01:22There is over a billion dollars of taxpayers' money that should have gone to transitioning
01:27workers to sustainable jobs.
01:29These businesses are the lifeblood of these small communities.
01:34Native timber logging is an emotive issue.
01:36Many people love old growth forests, while others argue it's a sustainable practice that
01:41keeps rural communities alive.
01:43And it plays out differently depending on what seat you're in.
01:46So with an election in five months time, it could prove fruitful fodder for the Greens,
01:50Teals and One Nation.
Comments