Illegal logging and coercion of the state

A further concern is the specific inclusion and endorsement of privately managed certification schemes initiated and run by green activist groups. Chief among these is the Forest Stewardship Council, which includes as members WWF, Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, Australian Conservation Foundation and the Wilderness Society.

Timber sourced by importers and approved by the FSC will face far less scrutiny, according to government officials. However, former FSC executive director Andre de Freitas says that FSC-guaranteed supply chain certification is fraudulent, labelling Chain of Custody certification as a "myth".

Still, the complexity and daunting nature of the new law will leave many small importers with little option but to source timber through the scheme. Those which avoid them can look forward to green harassment campaigns. And yet, participation is not free. Indeed, some characterise them as 'greenmail'. And of course, they are disproportionately more expensive for small importers.

The Illegal Logging Prohibition Act and its regulations represent a classic example of unelected activists enlisting the coercive powers of the state to pursue their agenda. The victims will be small, non-unionised businesses with no political voice, while the beneficiaries will be green groups and big importers with unionised workforces.