The Union's National Secretary, Michael O'Connor was Deputy Co-Chair of the group whose membership also included Pulp and Paper Workers District National Secretary Alex Millar.
The report recommends that the Government establish a Pulp and Paper Industry Innovation Council to implement the Report's recommendations and Minister Carr has agreed to this recommendation.
The first recommendation contained in the Report is fundamental to the whole strategy for the industry.
Recommendation 1:
The Strategy Group requests that the Australian Government make a clear public statement supporting the value and long-term viability of the Australian pulp and paper industry, recognising the industry’s commitment to good environmental outcomes and its key role in the provision of economic and social opportunities for thousands of Australians, many in vulnerable regional communities.
Other recommendations include:
- increasing skills training for employees.
- attracting investment into the industry;
- streamlining regulation;
- increasing the industry’s use of renewable energy;
- improving transport efficiency;
- addressing trade distorting factors; and
- streamlining the process for making a case that dumping is occurring and reject the Productivity Commission's recommendations
In launching the report, Minister Carr said;
" I would like to particularly thank my two Deputy Chairs, Mr Jim Henneberry of Australian Paper and Mr Michael O’Connor of the CFMEU, for their leadership and constructiveness during the course of the review. I would also like to express my appreciation to all Strategy Group members, official observers and other stakeholders, for the insights, expertise and industry knowledge they have provided."
The Government will respond to the report's recommendations later in the year.
