Forestry Ministers Meetings are a forum for ministers with responsibility for forestry from the Australian, state and territory governments to discuss and share approaches to a range of issues of importance for the future of forest and wood products industries. The New Zealand minister is also invited.
The meetings were established in 2016 to share information and ideas, progress policies—implementing a recommendation made to the Australian Government by the Forest Industry Advisory Council.
Discussions at recent meetings have included:
- Measures to increase Australia's wood supply, including through plantation development concessional loans, farm forestry and the relaxation of the water rule in the Emissions Reduction Fund
- The establishment of Regional Forestry Hubs and the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation
- The release of a joint ministers' statement of support for Australia's forest industries
- Improving communications about the strength of the forest industries.
The Department of Agriculture provides secretariat support services for Forestry Ministers Meetings.
Communiques issued after each meeting are on the department's website.