Clearly, conservation groups have criticised Labour's policy and in the upcoming election Greens preferences are likely to move to the Liberals. The policy may be a vote winner for many Tasmanians whose jobs are dependent on the timber interest but Labour may be accused of "selling out" on the Greens. Rudd has not stood up to the unions which effectively dictate policy.

Will John Howard continue to attract the Green vote with his strong stand against unions and new policy addressing global warming? And what can be done to stop these illegal imports? Surely existing forestry practices within Australia can fill the void!