A parliamentary question regarding the adoption of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) accreditation for government printing procurement to ensure sustainable timber harvesting and environmental responsibility. The Minister acknowledges the benefits of FSC but prefers encouraging adoption over mandating it.

AnsweredQoN 6208Legislative Council
Asked
16 October 2012
Portfolio
Finance

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the submission made by Picton Press to the Department of Environment and Conservation and members of Parliament in September 2012 regarding Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) accreditation in relation to government printing procurement, and I ask —
(1) Is the Minister aware of the environmental damage which can result from inappropriate management of timber harvesting for paper production?
(2) Does the Minister support the statement from the sustainability and governance section of the State Sustainability Strategy that 'All government departments should be taking the lead to improve their economic, social and environmental performance in a demonstrable manner'?
(3) If yes to (2), does the Minister agree that FSC accreditation provides an assurance that the printing thus being carried out is performed using paper obtained from sustainably managed forests?
(4) If no to (3), why not?
(5) If yes to (3), can the Minister explain why FSC accreditation is not a requirement for printers tendering for government work?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
13 November 2012
Responded by
Minister for Finance
Response time
28 days
(1) Yes.
(2) Yes.
(3) It is acknowledged that FSC accreditation provides a level of assurance that paper used in printing is obtained from sustainably managed forests.
(4) Not applicable.
(5) Government has demonstrated leadership in this area through requiring FSC accreditation or equivalent in two whole-of-government printing and paper related common use arrangements. However, given the many different methods by which government may procure printing work, it is not feasible to mandate FSC accreditation. Raising greater awareness of environmentally related accreditations/certifications and encouraging, rather than mandating, their adoption is the preferred approach at this time.
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