❓ A WA parliamentary question on notice addresses the sandalwood industry, focusing on the transition to Aboriginal leadership, funding, licensing, illegal harvesting, and regeneration programs. The government provides some answers, defers others to the Minister for Forestry, and clarifies existing regulations.
AnsweredQoN 1796Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Sandalwood Industry and, and I ask: (a) The Sandalwood Task Force reports that the Western Australian sandalwood industry generates approximately $40 million annually for the State’s economy. What funding has been allocated to support the transition to an Aboriginal-led industry; (b) Which agency — the Forest Products Commission (FPC), the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), or the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) — will lead the transition to an Aboriginal sandalwood industry; (c) In accordance with Recommendation 8 of the Task Force report, which Aboriginal advisory body will provide guidance on the wild harvest of sandalwood; (d) Since 2022, the private licence quota has increased from 250 tonnes to 500 tonnes to create greater opportunities for Aboriginal businesses. However, only three harvesters are currently licensed under this program, collectively harvesting less than 70 tonnes per year. If the industry is prepared to transition to an Aboriginal sandalwood industry, why have only three contracts been issued; (e) How many harvesters are currently contracted by the Forest Products Commission; (f) With existing wild sandalwood contracts due to expire in September this year, is the Government prepared to transition to an Aboriginal-led industry at that time; (g) How much funding has been allocated to enforcing illegal sandalwood harvesting, and what volume of illegally harvested sandalwood has been seized in recent years; (h) Who will be responsible for ensuring that the entire tree is harvested — not only the oil-bearing wood — in order to minimise the number of trees required per tonne under the quota system; and (i) If the Forest Products Commission withdraws from wild sandalwood operations, which entity will fund and manage regeneration programs?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
5 May 2026
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment
Response time
10 days
(a) - (b) In 2023, the State Government invested $280,000 over three years through the Aboriginal Sandalwood Industry Capability Program to build the capacity of Aboriginal people to participate in Western Australia’s wild sandalwood industry.
(c) The WA Sandalwood Advisory Group (WASAG) was established in 2022, as an industry advisory body to monitor remaining recommendations of the WA Sandalwood Taskforce Report 2020 . In 2024, WASAG was formally dissolved, having determined that it had fulfilled its intended functions.
(d) The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) assesses applications for regulation 67 flora taking (sandalwood) licences on an annual basis. Applications that meet the requirements of the application process result in the issuing of a licence to take sandalwood for a period of up to three years. Three of these licences are currently in place.
(e) - (f) Contracts for the harvest of wild sandalwood are managed by the Forest Products Commission (FPC). This question should be referred to the Minister for Forestry.
(g) Between 2021 and 2025, DBCA expended in the order of $665,000 on sandalwood compliance activities, with 21.86 tonnes of illegally harvested sandalwood seized.
(h) Regulation 67 flora taking (sandalwood) licences require that all parts (including roots/butt) of any sandalwood tree removed (green or dead), must be taken and are included in the quantity (tonnage) specified on the licence. Licensee compliance with conditions is monitored by DBCA wildlife officers. Failure to adhere to licence conditions may result in licences being suspended, cancelled and/or enforcement action being taken. Questions regarding how the Forest Products Commission manages this issue through sandalwood harvesting contracts should be directed to the Minister for Forestry.
(i) There are currently no proposed changes to sandalwood regeneration requirements for wild sandalwood operations.
(c) The WA Sandalwood Advisory Group (WASAG) was established in 2022, as an industry advisory body to monitor remaining recommendations of the WA Sandalwood Taskforce Report 2020 . In 2024, WASAG was formally dissolved, having determined that it had fulfilled its intended functions.
(d) The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) assesses applications for regulation 67 flora taking (sandalwood) licences on an annual basis. Applications that meet the requirements of the application process result in the issuing of a licence to take sandalwood for a period of up to three years. Three of these licences are currently in place.
(e) - (f) Contracts for the harvest of wild sandalwood are managed by the Forest Products Commission (FPC). This question should be referred to the Minister for Forestry.
(g) Between 2021 and 2025, DBCA expended in the order of $665,000 on sandalwood compliance activities, with 21.86 tonnes of illegally harvested sandalwood seized.
(h) Regulation 67 flora taking (sandalwood) licences require that all parts (including roots/butt) of any sandalwood tree removed (green or dead), must be taken and are included in the quantity (tonnage) specified on the licence. Licensee compliance with conditions is monitored by DBCA wildlife officers. Failure to adhere to licence conditions may result in licences being suspended, cancelled and/or enforcement action being taken. Questions regarding how the Forest Products Commission manages this issue through sandalwood harvesting contracts should be directed to the Minister for Forestry.
(i) There are currently no proposed changes to sandalwood regeneration requirements for wild sandalwood operations.
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