The Victorian Greens have announced they will introduce a bill to the Victorian Parliament to close loopholes in laws governing native forest logging. This follows a Four Corners investigation that revealed ongoing logging in Victoria and the role of Victorian sawmills in sourcing timber from old-growth forests in Tasmania.
The proposed legislation aims to address gaps that allow logging to continue in areas that should be protected. The Greens argue that current regulations are insufficient to prevent the destruction of native forests and that stronger legal measures are needed.
Four Corners' investigation, aired in June 2026, documented logging operations in Victoria's Central Highlands and alleged that timber from Tasmania's old-growth forests was being processed in Victorian mills. The report sparked public outcry and renewed calls for an end to native forest logging.
The bill is expected to face opposition from the timber industry and some government members, who argue that logging provides jobs and economic benefits. However, the Greens maintain that the environmental cost is too high and that alternative industries can support affected communities.
As of June 23, 2026, the bill has not yet been introduced, but the Greens have stated they will do so in the coming weeks. The outcome will depend on cross-party support and public pressure.
