It’s May, the winter chill is beginning to bite, trees are dropping their autumn leaves and the year is well and truly under way. I want to offer a few reflections, but first, thank everyone for the wonderful support I have received since stepping into the CEO role in March. Adam has left truly giant boots to fill.
Thank you to those from our membership, Board, SDG, Indigenous Working Group, FSC Asia Pacific, FSC International and other valued stakeholders I have met so far. To others that I have not yet had the opportunity to meet, I look forward to hearing your views, critiques and hopes for FSC moving forward.
Change is in the air, and we are seeing real progress. After years of discussion, the Board has reduced individual membership fees and established concessional membership fees for students, unwaged, retired and indigenous people to reduce barriers to participation and encourage engagement.
Our draft National Standard is now with FSC International for final consideration in June. Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is ready for launch at the AGM. For the first time in a long time, we can now focus on strategic priorities other than standards development and talk broadly about issues that reflect why FSC exists and what we stand for.
We have contributed strongly, using our own voice and together with AFPA and AFS, to the Federal Government’s review of illegal logging import regulations. We are also developing our public policy capabilities to amplify our members’ perspectives in the corridors of power, strengthen our brand values, and enhance the integrity of our organisation.
I am proud to introduce two new staff. Julia Mylne has joined as our Policy and Advocacy Manager and will give our voice and views more impact and resonance. Tim Norman has joined as our Research and Trademarks Officer. You will meet them both at the AGM.
Just a few other highlights to mention with more info below.
The ACCSR launched its 9th annual review of the State of CSR in Australia and New Zealand. We included some questions procurement of FSC certified products in this research – this ‘private’ data will be released at our AGM.
One of the world’s most powerful brand, Apple, is partnering with WWF to increase FSC certified forests in China. This is a great example of exemplary corporate sustainability. FSC cannot achieve its mission alone, but we can have a big impact by bringing people together and facilitating partnerships.
I would like to invite you all to attend our upcoming Annual General Meeting and help launch our Reconciliation Action Plan. Thank you for your continued support and engagement.
Bill Royce
Chief Executive Officer
FSC Australia & New Zelaand