Response to false and misleading claim aired on ABC Mornings

24 May 2024

Again, we are here defending our organisation and our expert staff against false allegations aimed at discrediting VicForests, its practices and people.

On Thursday 23 May, the ABC aired a segment on Mornings with Debbie Rybicki that contained false and misleading claims of damage to the ecosystem, not conducting surveys, and failing to adequately regenerate coupes. VicForests was not approached to provide a statement. However, we have provided the ABC with multiple statements contradicting such claims over the preceding years.

We also have multiple pages and statements on our website detailing how VicForests met its obligations in protecting threatened species and their habitat and regenerating what was harvested. These are a matter of public record and have been provided to various ABC outlets.

VicForests is a government agency, overseen by an independent Board and otherwise subject to the ordinary governance obligations and control of any government body. We have repeatedly demonstrated our commitment to meeting, and often exceeding, the explicit rules and regulations for environmental management set by Government. This includes demonstrating that VicForests continued to meet its obligations and the required standards for successful regeneration.

We have addressed the false regeneration claims on numerous occasions and we invite you to read them here:

False claims do harm. This includes the impact on the mental health and wellbeing of people who have dedicated themselves to the management of forests for future generations. Broadcasting false information to the public supports an empty rhetoric; the national broadcaster should encourage constructive dialogue and avoid the peddling of false claims.