Darren Chester
Bunnings’ decision to stop sourcing timber from VicForests has been slammed by politicians representing Gippsland. The Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said Bunnings had shown complete contempt for their suppliers while State Shadow Assistant Minister for Forestry, Gary Blackwood said the move by Bunnings was a knee-jerk reaction. Source: Timberbiz
The decision has also been met with wide-spread condemnation on social media, with many people advocating a boycott of Bunnings.
And Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull described the decision as woeful.
Mr Chester said it was extraordinary that Bunnings would make this premature decision without any genuine consultation with its local suppliers and jeopardise the financial futures of dozens of timber workers and their families in Gippsland.
“At a time when all jobs are at a premium and Gippsland is recovering from the combined impacts of drought, bushfires and the coronavirus, Bunnings management is demonstrating no respect for working class families,” he said.
“Management should reconsider its decision, particularly while legal challenges are still pending in relation to the case involving VicForests that Bunnings is concerned about.
“We have a world-class timber industry in Victoria where 94% of forest is protected and a small proportion of native forests are harvested each year under VicForests’ control, then forests are allowed to regenerate in a sustainable cycle over 80 years.
“It’s the ultimate renewable industry with young growing trees absorbing more carbon dioxide, compared to mature forests, and timber harvested according to the strictest standards in the world.
“Gippsland timber mills have invested in new technology to add value to the trees harvested with manufactured products that are in high demand. Wood that used to end up as waste or low value wood chips, is now joined and glued to make high value products that are available for home handymen and the construction sector to purchase.
“Bunnings has shown complete contempt for their suppliers and hard-working timber industry families with a premature decision which is all about virtue signalling and nothing about the environmental sustainability of the industry.
“The VicForests issue is still subject to appeal in the courts system and I fear that Bunnings will replace the Australian-made product on those shelves with imported timber which is harvested with less environmental scrutiny.”
Mr Blackwood said the decision would cost local jobs and undermine employment in regional Victoria.
He said it was also premature given that a court case that lead to the decision by Bunnings was subject to appeal.
“Bunnings has shown they are happy to walk away from Victorian timber jobs based on a court case which I am reliably told is subject to an upcoming appeal,” Mr Blackwood said.
“Their discontinuation of all timber supply from VicForests before that process is complete is a knee-jerk reaction that will have significant ramifications for our regional communities, local harvesters, contractors, haulage and machinery operators.
“Victoria has world leading harvesting and management practices and by potentially moving to less regulated markets, Bunnings is telling consumers they would rather cheaper product that helps their bottom line than Victorian product that supports local jobs.
“It is a very sad day when a company the size of Bunnings is influenced by a handful of inner-city Greens and prepared to undermine Gippsland jobs before a full appeal by VicForests is concluded,” said Mr Blackwood.
Mr Bull said the “woeful decision from Bunnings” could not have come at a worse time.
“Our communities have been impacted by drought, fire and now COVID-19 and the local economy is really struggling,” he said.
“For Bunnings management to come in on the back of that and make this announcement shows no understanding of our plight.
“To discontinue sourcing all timber from VicForests is a massive over-reaction and one that will hurt our local communities. On top of this Bunnings could not tell me where it will source its hardwood from in the future,” Mr Bull said.
“They could only agree it will not come from Victoria as there is no hardwood plantation, so it will likely come from interstate or overseas.
“To me Bunnings management has shown its true colours here. When our communities are in need, have been decimated by fire and an economic downturn, they come out and make things a whole lot worse.
“I explained the impact this will have on towns like Heyfield, but they just want to trot out lines like ‘we will work with suppliers to achieve the best outcomes for them’. Well that does not help our mill workers and their families,” Mr Bull said.
Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said Australian jobs would be lost as a consequence of Bunnings’ ill-advised action.
“Bunnings shelves will be stacked with more imported timber, rather than Australian grown structural hardwood timber, Australian solid timber panels and Australian kitchen benchtops,” Senator Minister Duniam said.
“This decision will cost many hundreds of jobs across harvesting, sawmills and processing, particularly in our regional communities.
“Bunnings is kicking Australia’s timber industry while it’s down, and at a time when Australian companies and Australians should be backing Australian products and supporting Australian jobs.
“VicForests is globally recognised for its forest practices and is certified according to the highest standards under the world’s largest forestry certification scheme, the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).
“I have urged Bunnings to reverse this decision, to choose Australian timber over imported timber and to back Australian jobs, as the nation begins to rebuild in the wake of COVID-19.
“The Morrison Government has a plan to grow our world-class and world-leading sustainable forestry industry, and to support the hardworking and honest Australians who work in it. Bunnings’ decision flies in the face of this.”
