Australia's shadow minister for agriculture, fisheries and forestry, Darren Chester, has accused the national broadcaster of presenting a one-sided account of the country's native hardwood industry.
Chester said a recent television investigation emphasized environmental activism while failing to include forest scientists and industry representatives who support continued native timber production under regulated conditions.
He argued that the program overlooked the economic importance of forestry to regional communities, including employment, industrial capacity and the availability of trained personnel and equipment during major bushfire emergencies.
Chester also linked the debate to federal and state policy, saying restrictions on native forestry in Victoria, Western Australia and New South Wales, together with proposed changes to national environmental legislation, would increase reliance on imported timber.
Richard Hyett, acting chief executive of the Australian Forest Products Association, also criticized the program. He said it failed to reflect the industry's scientific, environmental and economic arguments and gave insufficient attention to renewable products and regional employment.
Chester said Australia already runs a trade deficit in timber products and warned that further reductions in domestic production could deepen dependence on suppliers including Brazil and Indonesia.
The dispute reflects a broader national argument over how Australia should balance biodiversity protection, forest management, regional employment and demand for domestically produced construction materials.
