Australia’s Senate inquiry examining the effectiveness of sanctions imposed on the Russian Federation will convene an additional public hearing on 25 June, placing renewed focus on the use of Russian-origin timber in plasterboard products supplied to the domestic construction sector.
The decision follows growing attention from industry groups, Ukrainian representatives and supply chain advocates regarding the continued entry of Russian timber into Australian markets through third-country trade routes.
The additional hearing will form part of the ongoing Senate investigation into Australia’s sanctions framework. A new round of submissions has also been opened, providing stakeholders with a further opportunity to present evidence before policymakers.
The development has been welcomed by industry participants seeking stronger scrutiny of timber sourcing practices.
Mark Corrigan, a pro-Ukrainian campaign advocate involved in raising awareness of the issue, said the hearing provides an important platform for examining current sanctions measures and identifying areas requiring improvement.
According to Corrigan, public attention surrounding the issue increased significantly following media coverage and advocacy efforts supported by members of Australia’s forest value chain and the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations.
The campaign has also received backing from Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko. The ambassador has consistently argued that Russian-origin timber entering international supply chains through intermediary countries continues to generate economic returns that ultimately support Moscow’s military activities.
Industry stakeholders have expressed concern that products containing Russian timber may be entering Australian homes despite existing sanctions measures.
Myroshnychenko has previously stated that Australian construction activity should not contribute indirectly to funding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Corrigan noted that Australia responded quickly in support of Ukraine following the full-scale Russian invasion. However, he argued that further action is now required to address supply chain vulnerabilities that remain exposed.
He described the Senate inquiry as an effective mechanism for assessing both the achievements and limitations of Australia’s sanctions regime.
The forthcoming hearing is expected to provide forest products businesses with an opportunity to place concerns regarding conflict timber on the public record.
Supply chain transparency remains a key issue.
Industry participants have increasingly called for stronger verification procedures and enhanced import monitoring. Particular attention is being directed towards timber products routed through third countries before entering Australia.
The debate extends beyond timber alone.
According to Corrigan, Australia must evaluate how imported commodities linked to Russia continue to reach domestic markets despite sanctions designed to restrict trade.
He argued that stronger measures are required to ensure policy objectives are fully achieved.
The timber sector is also being encouraged to demonstrate a clear commitment to ethical sourcing standards.
Industry leaders have emphasised the importance of maintaining consumer confidence. Responsible procurement practices are viewed as a critical component of that objective.
Several submissions have already been lodged with the Senate inquiry.
The Australian Forest Products Association has called on the Federal Government to address what it describes as a loophole allowing Russian conflict timber to enter Australia through indirect trade channels.
Meanwhile, Timber NSW has also highlighted concerns regarding the shadow trade in timber products and its implications for sanctions enforcement.
Additional submissions were expected before the inquiry deadline of 5 pm AEST on 12 June 2026.
The issue has attracted international attention.
Recent forensic timber testing undertaken by Source Certain indicated that Russian timber continues to move through global supply chains despite sanctions imposed by several countries.
The findings suggested that a significant proportion of imported timber products examined failed traceability assessments. Questions have subsequently been raised regarding the effectiveness of current verification systems.
Greater supply chain visibility is being sought.
Traceability technologies are increasingly viewed as essential tools for validating timber origin and supporting compliance requirements.
Across Europe, industry organisations have also intensified efforts to prevent Russian timber from entering markets via intermediary nations.
Those initiatives reflect wider concerns surrounding so-called “blood wood” and the challenges associated with enforcing sanctions in complex international supply chains.
For Australia’s forest products sector, the Senate hearing is expected to represent a significant moment.
The proceedings will allow policymakers, industry representatives and supply chain experts to assess current safeguards and explore potential improvements.
The hearing will also provide a platform for examining whether existing import controls are sufficient to meet community expectations regarding ethical sourcing.
As scrutiny of timber procurement practices continues to increase, the outcome of the inquiry may influence future policy settings across the construction, manufacturing and forest products sectors.
The additional hearing is scheduled to take place on 25 June, with industry participants expected to closely monitor developments and any recommendations emerging from the inquiry.
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