The Australian Forest Products Association has launched a marginal and forestry seats campaign to bring forest policy to the fore in the coming federal election. Candidates in 21 seats across six states, all with strong forestry or forest products interests, are being targeted, including Eden Monaro.  Australian Forest Products Association CEO Ross Hampton said 200,000 Australians rely on forestry and forest products industries for their livelihood. “These voters will be looking for federal representatives of Parliament who understand that these jobs sustain their regional and rural communities,” Mr Hampton said. “If these real jobs are not maintained many other service jobs in these communities - such as hospitality workers, accountants, hairdressers and shop assistants – are also put at risk. “The industry has weathered many storms in the last few years and is still reeling from the ‘triple crunch’ of a high dollar, lack of resource security and high input costs. “Now is the time for our politicians and candidates to show they understand this and have a plan to do something to help.” Candidates in every targeted electorates will be surveyed relating to their support for forest industries. The results will be reported to the local media and included on the www.ausfpa.com.au website.