Australia's unique forests provide a sustainable resource base for the forestry sector. Australian, state and territory governments share an objective of balancing the needs of industry with the sustainable management of forests by integrating environmental, commercial and community values and uses.
The Australian Government works with the state and territory governments (which have primary responsibility for forest management) and the forest industries in developing national forest policy.
This partnership approach between the levels of governments and the industry is reflected through national initiatives such as the 1992 National Forest Policy Statement and the Plantations for Australia: the 2020 Vision.
Following on from the National Forest Policy Statement, Australia has developed, implemented and reviewed Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs) to achieve a balance between conservation and production in native forests, and provide security for the industry.
With a strong policy framework in place, government and industry continue to address issues affecting the profitability and sustainability of Australia's forest industries. In 2018–19, the forest industry generated $23.9 billion of sales and service income and employed around 52,000 people.
Further information on Australia’s forests and forest industry is published by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) in Australia's State of the Forests Report 2018 and at ABARES Forest Australia webpage.