Ombudsman asked to investigate log exports

ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), 20 June 2011

VicForests is accused of assisting the export of thousands of tonnes of hardwood logs to China.

Victoria bans the export of whole logs as a way of protecting the local industry.

The Wilderness Society's Richard Hughes says an independent investigation is needed.

"We've complained to the ombudsman and what we've asked them to investigate and to ensure occurs is that there's immediate stop to the sale of whole log exports," he said.

"If it's occurred in this one situation, it may be open to occurring elsewhere and it's an issue that needs to be immediately investigated and dealt with.