8 September 2026

Mr GAFFNEY (Mersey) - Mr President, I rise to speak in support of the honourable member for Hobart's motion regarding Tasmania's Forest Carbon: 2025 Update report.

In addressing the motion, I would like to speak to the continuous balancing act which is forestry's policy. Tasmania's forests, wilderness and natural capital are a fundamental aspect of our state. They're a key asset to Tasmania and a linchpin for Tasmanian culture and society. To this end, it is important that a conversation around logging, sustainability and the path forward in Tasmania centres on their benefits.

It is easy to forget the beauty which we are privileged to live within, here in Tasmania. From simply driving through the state, visiting key destinations or even just living within magnificent landscapes, Tasmanians and our visitors are extremely fortunate. Tasmanian nature benefits not only from our visual amenity or our visitor economy, but also our relaxed culture and positive societal values. It is a safe statement to say that many Tasmanians feel a unique connection to their land. It contributes to our sense of identity in place, as it has to that of those who have come before us and those who will come after us.

The tranquillity, peace and meaning which Tasmania's nature provides is a rarity in this world. Indeed, at times it seems it's a rarity in Australia. Of course, the population hubs of the world have their cultures, they drive innovation and represent countless generations of civilisational development. Nonetheless, they all lack something which Tasmania is rich in: a deep connection with nature.

There are few capital cities, for example, in which there is a world-renowned mountain a mere 20 minutes from the city. Or look to the north-west, where we have the Tarkine, globally renowned as a site of beauty and natural values. We are privileged in the offerings of our land, from the smallest beach to the tallest mountain peak, and this is something that cannot be overstated.
No matter one's position on policy or sustainable management of our forests, there is a very pertinent fact that all Tasmanians can agree on. As the motion notes, it is a fact that Tasmania has marketed itself as one of the first jurisdiction in the world to become net zero in emissions. This benefits us, through our visitor economy, national and international reputation and, of course, through our environmental footprint. Of course, one would be aware that the reason we have net negative emissions is due to the massive carbon sink which Tasmania's forests and wilderness provide, as the motion notes: 22 million tonnes of sequestration annually. This is the reason we can afford to have emissions goals and renewable energy goals.

Our access to natural resources and historic willingness to capitalise upon their benefit demonstrates their benefit. The substantial benefits which sustainability projects such as hydro and wind power have to Tasmania makes them politically and socially popular concepts. Investment in these areas is a good idea. It has been found that investment in sustainable forestry has a range of direct and indirect benefits to both farmers and the economy.

Natural capital accounting is an emerging area of Australian research which aims to quantify the flows of benefits which arise from our natural assets. While this quantification work is ongoing, it demonstrates in a recognised manner that Tasmania's natural assets have a measurable positive impact on our economy.

In practical terms, this means that every hectare of native forest logged represents not just an environmental cost, but also a permanent loss in the measurable economic value of Tasmania's natural assets. On the other hand, investment in the retention of these assets allows Tasmanians to sustainably capitalise on their benefits for positive economic returns in the long term.

The reason I bring these concepts to your contemplation, Mr President, is that they should be at the forefront of any discussion in the forestry industry. It is, of course, similarly important to our future that our environmental sustainability be 'course corrected', as it were. It is commonly accepted that global warming and global emissions will impact our future, and Tasmania should do its bit to support sustainability efforts.

Nonetheless, it is also commonly known that this can all be a tall ask of a government. We are painfully aware that sustainable policies that come with economic suffering or extremely long-term benefits face enormous political resistance. These are political realities that may not be that ethical in the long-term scheme of things or even the best course of action.

In this sense, it is important to take the lens that there are direct positive benefits flowing from the retention and existence of Tasmanian forests and wilderness. The 1.6 million tonnes of carbon emissions that come from our logging annually, is a number representing not just environmental harm, but also a loss of value - an opportunity cost to our economy.

It is increasingly important to convey the benefits that come from supporting, protecting and retaining our forests, our natural heritage and biomass. Once recognised, Tasmanians can

then sustainably capitalise upon these benefits. We already do this in some areas, be that through our investment in hydro or our connection of tourism and the Tasmanian wilderness.
The approach to logging does not have to be an industrial shutdown, nor does it need to be of great harm to sections of our economy. Addressing the Tasmanian native logging situation is a matter that needs a balancing act of transitionary policy and positive steps towards economically beneficial sustainable sectors. To this end, I support the motion in drawing attention to the benefits of Tasmania's forests, wilderness and natural capital, as well as the threats toward it. Thank you, Mr President, and I thank the honourable member.