Bill aims to prevent trade of illegally logged timber
CONSERVATIONISTS have welcomed new laws to prohibit the importation of illegally logged timber into Australia.
The Illegal Logging Prohibition Bill aims to prevent the trade of illegally logged timber from countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia.
While the bill passed the Senate last night, it was yet to receive official Royal Assent - a largely ceremonial sign off on new laws.
The Australia Conservation Foundation said the new law gave more confidence to Australians that they wouldn't be supporting the illegal trade.
But various countries and important trade partners were still not entirely happy about the bill.
Nations including Malaysia have argued they may not be able to prevent all illegally logging timber that might be imported from a third country, before being sent through Malaysia to Australia.
