The timber workers union is demanding all political parties and independents commit to support the South Australian forest and forest products industry in the lead up to next week’s State Election

CFMEU Manufacturing National Secretary Michael O’Connor said the union was seeking policy commitments from all parties before the March 19 poll.

“We need a growing forest and forest products industry, not timber shortages which are harming jobs, our economy, and our communities,” he said.

“We need a State Government committed to build upon South Australia’s world class timber resource and industry.

“Workers deserve a State Government committed to addressing problems stymieing the industry and release the shackles on it so that it can realise its full potential.”

Mr O’Connor said the union had written to political parties and independents and planned to share responses with timber workers, families, and communities before the election.

The union is seeking policy commitments which will see:

• A tripartite (State Government, employer and union) collaborative approach to spending on industry research and development and industry planning.

• Recognition of the significant socioeconomic contribution of the timber industry in all decision making on water allocations and plantation expansion.

• A plan to focus on skills and training, including critical skills needs.

• The building of capacity and opportunity of more value adding to logs in South Australia with no logs exported which are needed by local processors.

• Encouragement of long-term, good quality jobs with a focus on continuous improvement in work health and safety, workplace relations, gender equality, opportunities for workers with disabilities, apprenticeships, and workplace diversity.

“Workers in the forest and forest products industry their families and communities’ votes count,” Mr O’Connor said.