On 23 September we published an article regarding the Forest Stewardship Council of Australia (FSC). The article suggested that the FSC had refused to certify native forest operations.
We accept the allegation as published by us is incorrect and that native forest operations have been certified in accordance with FSC standards, including 182,000 hectares with the Forest Products Commission of Western Australia as well as native forests in Victoria, NSW and Tasmania.
We acknowledge that native forests are assessed by independent auditors in good faith, and if a forest meets the requisite standards, certification will be granted.
We apologise to the FSC and its CEO Mr Damian Paull for any hurt or embarrassment suffered by reason of the publication of the allegations in the article.
