The Wilderness Society (TWS) has lodged a complaint with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) alleging that Bunnings may be selling illegally logged timber while promoting it as responsibly sourced. The environmental group claims the hardware chain's marketing could constitute 'greenwashing' and deceptive conduct.
The complaint focuses on timber sourced from NSW Forestry Corporation, a state-owned agency that has been convicted of multiple environmental offences. TWS alleges that wood from operations later found to involve unlawful activity may have entered Bunnings' supply chain via third-party suppliers.
Bunnings requires natural forest timber to be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). NSW Forestry Corporation holds PEFC certification but not FSC certification. TWS has raised concerns that the agency retained its certification despite its convictions.
An ACCC spokesperson confirmed receipt of the complaint, stating it would be assessed in accordance with its compliance and enforcement policy. Bunnings said it is committed to sourcing timber from compliant and well-managed forest operations, and that NSW Forestry Corporation meets its certification requirements.
Victoria Jack, TWS's NSW campaigns manager, said customers do not want their projects to come at the expense of native forests. She argued that Bunnings' claims about legal sourcing and protecting endangered species may be misleading, as timber could originate from habitats of species like the greater glider or swift parrot.
Professor David Heilpern, former magistrate and dean of law at Southern Cross University, said the complaint arises from an unprecedented situation where a government supplier has been convicted of illegal activities on public land. He noted that current legislation does not adequately address products that should not have been logged.
