Regional Forest Agreements Act 2002

The Minister must take all reasonable steps to ensure that, at all times, there is in existence a committee that is:

known as the Forest and Wood Products Council; and

established under the executive power of the Commonwealth.

The main objects of subsection (1) are as follows:

the provision of a forum by which the Minister and stakeholders in the forest and wood products industry may:

consult together; and

exchange advice and information;

the promotion of co‑operation between different sectors of the forest and wood products industry.

The Minister must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the functions of the Council include the following:

to act as a means of liaison between the Minister and stakeholders in the forest and wood products industry, and between different sectors of that industry, in matters relating to that industry;

to facilitate co‑operation between different sectors of the forest and wood products industry;

to do anything else conducive to the achievement of the objects mentioned in subsection (2).

The Council may perform its functions only to the extent that they are not in excess of the functions that may be conferred on the Council by virtue of any of the legislative powers of the Parliament and, in particular, may perform its functions:

in relation to matters arising in the course of, or that concern:

trade or commerce with other countries, or among the States; or

the activities of a corporation to which paragraph 51(xx) of the Constitution applies; or

for purposes in relation to any or all of the Territories.

The Minister:

may convene a meeting of the Council at any time; and

must convene a meeting of the Council on receipt of a written request from a majority of members of the Council.

The Minister must ensure that the Council meets at least twice in every calendar year.