2016-10-25
Ms Dunn (Member for Eastern Metropolitan) – My question is to the Minister for Agriculture. Australian Paper continue to be controversial because they use native forests, the habitat of the Leadbeater's Possum, as a supply of pulp to make copy paper. Since coming to office what support has the government provided to Australian Paper, including industry assistance, grants support, regional development funding or other payments?
[Question taken on notice by the Agriculture Minister]
Supplementary Question:
Ms Dunn (Member for Eastern Metropolitan) – Thank you, Minister. My supplementary question is: what support is the government considering providing to Australian Paper currently or into the future?
[Question taken on notice by the Agriculture Minister]
Written Response:
Jaala Pulford MP (Minister for Agriculture) - Successive Victorian Governments have recognised the significant role of Australian Paper in contributing to the economy at all levels. Australian Paper's Maryvale Mill is the single largest private employer in Gippsland with around 900 employees.
Victorian Governments have supplied Australian Paper and its predecessors in accordance with legislative commitments since 1961. Victoria is committed to supplying pulpwood, a by-product of harvesting for sawlogs, to Australian Paper until 2030 under the Legislated Agreement in the Forests (Wood Pulp Agreement) Act 1996.
The Victorian Government regularly engages with Australian Paper with respect to its current and future plans for its operations in Victoria. This includes consultation with Australian Paper in regards to its "Turnaround Plan", publically announced in February 2016.