Native forestry workers transition packages start rolling out

  • Implementation of Native Forestry Workers Transition packages has now commenced
  • Workers need to pre-register for support packages via Workforce Pre Registration by 3pm April 6 
  • The Community and Industry Transition sub-group has now been formed
  • Minister for Forestry Dave Kelly today announced that implementation of the packages for native forestry workers to assist them to transition to a new industry before native forest logging ends in Western Australia in 2024 has commenced.

    Following feedback and extensive consultation through the Workforce Transition Sub-group, the final native forest workforce transition package was presented to the Native Forest Transition Group last Thursday.

    Implementation of the packages will commence with details of the package to be communicated to every worker in a mill and harvest and haulage company, with workers needing to pre-register for the transition package by 6 April.

    Representatives from TAFE will also start visiting workplaces to speak with workers about retraining opportunities and conduct Recognition of Prior Learning and Skills Assessments.

    Consultation on the business transition packages has now closed and the feedback received from businesses is being collated. The next business sub-group meeting will be held in the next few weeks once the feedback has been collated and some further discussions have taken place with key stakeholders.

    Registration for the business transition packages closed at 3pm last Friday, with all eligible businesses having now registered their interest for a package.

    The Community and Industry Transition sub-group has now also been formed and will meet for the first time this week.

    This new sub-group will consist of representatives from the Shires of Manjimup, Nannup and Bridgetown, as well as representatives from the Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry, FIFWA, the Australian Workers Union, Department of Jobs Training Science and Innovation, and the South West Development Commission.

    As stated by Forestry Minister Dave Kelly:

    “The McGowan Government’s $50 million Just Transition Plan will support workers, businesses and communities with links to the native forestry industry.

    “I’m really pleased that after listening to workers and working closely with the Australian Workers Union, we can now start to roll out the support packages for native forestry workers.

    “It’s encouraging to see that all eligible native forestry businesses have registered their interest for the business transition support packages, and I look forward to finalising these packages in the coming weeks.

    “With the Community and Industry Transition sub-group now formed, we will continue to consult with key stakeholders before finalising the Just Transition Plan.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.