Commonwealth, state, and territory ministers with responsibility for forestry met virtually on Friday 14 November 2025 for the Forestry Ministers’ Meeting (FMM).
Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins, chaired the meeting.
One new Minister was welcomed:
- Tasmania, Hon Felix Ellis MP
Their FMM predecessor was thanked for their contributions.
Ministers received an update on the National Forest Policy Statement review and agreed (with the exception of Western Australia, who will consider their position out-of-session) on a draft discussion paper and agreed to finalise the paper including timeframes for engagement out-of-session in the first quarter of 2026.
The Australian Government Strategic Forest and Renewable Materials Partnership co-chairs presented their Timber Fibre Strategy, and Ministers discussed FMM workplan papers regarding plantations and farm forestry expansion, indigenous business expansion, the contribution of forestry to mitigating climate change, and an outlook for the sector.
Ministers agreed to develop their priorities for a new workplan with consideration of actions agreed to date, current jurisdiction policies and initiatives and actions ‘assigned’ to governments in the Partnership’s Timber Fibre Strategy. It was agreed to present a draft workplan at the next FMM meeting.
Ministers agreed to meet next in mid-2026.
Ministerial attendees
- Australian Government (Chair): the Hon Julie Collins, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
- Australian Capital Territory: Ms Suzanne Orr, MLA, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs; Minister for Climate Change, Environment and Water; Minister for Disability, Carers and Community Services; and Minister for Seniors and Veterans
- Queensland: the Hon Anthony Perrett MP, Minister for Primary Industries
- South Australia: the Hon Clare Scriven MLC, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development; and Minister for Forest Industries
- Tasmania: the Hon Felix Ellis MP, Minister for Business, Industry and Resources; Minister for Skills and Jobs; and Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management
Apologies
- New South Wales: the Hon Tara Moriarty MLC, Minister for Agriculture; Minister for Regional New South Wales; and Minister for Western New South Wales – represented by Dean Kearney, Executive Director Forestry & Hunting, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
- Northern Territory: the Hon Gerard Maley MLA, Deputy Chief Minister; Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries; Minister for Mining and Energy; Minister for Corrections; Minister for Renewables; and Minister for Recreational Fishing – represented by Amelia Vellar, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Territory Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
- Victoria: the Hon Ros Spence, Minister for Agriculture; Minister for Community Sport; and Minister for Carers and Volunteers – represented by Beth Jones, Chief Executive, Agriculture Victoria
- Western Australia: the Hon Jackie Jarvis MLC, Minister for Agriculture and Food; Forestry; Small Business – represented by Stuart West, General Manager, Forest Products Commission