Media Release | 17 September 2026
Bevan Eatts MLA
Shadow Minister for Forestry
Bevan Eatts MLA, Shadow Minister for Forestry, has accused the Cook Labor Government of risking the future of Western Australia’s native sandalwood industry by pursuing major changes without proper consultation with the people who have spent decades building it.
“Today I raised the issue in Parliament through a grievance to the Government, outlining concerns about plans to remove the Forest Products Commission (FPC) from commercial wild sandalwood operations, and replace the existing model with a licensing system, administered by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA)” Mr Eatts said.
Mr Eatts said the proposal threatened one of WA’s oldest export industries and a sustainable regional sector that supports jobs, Indigenous contractors, pastoral businesses and international markets.
“If I can make the time as Shadow Minister to meet stakeholders, travel to Kalgoorlie, visit operations and listen to harvesters, processors, distillers and exporters, why hasn’t the Minister done the same before making decisions that could destroy another sustainable WA industry?” Mr Eatts said.
“This industry has spent decades building its reputation, international customers and the WA sandalwood brand. Once those markets and relationships are lost, you don’t simply get them back.”
Mr Eatts said industry participants remained concerned about the future of the integrated supply chain currently coordinated by the FPC, including harvesting, certification, traceability, processing, market access and regeneration.
“A licence does not replace a supply chain,” Mr Eatts said.
“You cannot take away the structure supporting harvesters, Indigenous contractors, pastoral businesses, processors and exporters and expect everyone to fend for themselves.
“This is also a renewable resource with regeneration built into its commercial model through Operation Woylie. If the Government removes the FPC, who coordinates that regeneration, who supplies the seed and who pays for it?”
Mr Eatts said uncertainty surrounding the Government’s plans was already affecting customer confidence, with industry warning international buyers were considering alternative supply arrangements beyond December 2026.
“This is exactly why you consult before making the decision, not after the damage has been done,” Mr Eatts said.
“WA has something special: a sustainable native industry, a premium product and a brand recognised around the world. The Minister still has the opportunity to sit down with the people who built it and find a sustainable way forward.
“I’ve gone out and listened to them. Why hasn’t the Minister?”
ENDS
