SENATOR CHRISTINE MILNE, July 29
This month’s global biodiversity report from the IUCN paints a gloomy picture for Tasmania and the rest of Australia.
The Wildlife in a Changing World report from the world’s conservation body says a global target made by governments to reduce species loss by the end of 2010 will not be met, and Australia is among the first to be shamed.

“The IUCN Red List says it in black and white. Of the 44,000 species listed, and the 247 countries included in the annual report, Australia ranks second in the number of animals extinct, threatened and endangered,” says Senator Christine Milne.

“This is not a per capita study. We’re a small population with a small-minded government living in a vast country, and we’re pushing species extinction at a rate surpassed only by the United States, who incidentally has an extra 275 million people.”

“It’s embarrassing to think that while dedicated and kind-hearted Australians fight for the protection of overseas natural icons, our government is committing greater crimes in our own backyard by subsidising the destruction of habitat forests.”

“Biodiversity is clearly viewed by the Rudd and Bartlett Governments as playing second fiddle to development and big business. The proposed Tarkine Loop Road being a case in point as it will clearly impact on one of the last healthy populations of the now endangered Tasmanian devil.”

Senator Milne raised the issue at Bonorong Wildlife Park near Brighton this afternoon, and was joined by the park’s new owner, Greg Irons in calling on all Tasmanians to step up where the government has failed.

“There is so much that we as Tasmanians can do. The IUCN’s report says climate change may soon be the leading cause of species extinction. We can act on that. We can push the government to seek a zero carbon future. We can push ourselves; small changes at home can lead to big changes for the planet. And of course, protecting our habitats, our forests and wildlife refuges has enormous benefits for the mitigation of climate change.”

“And as Mr Irons says, we also have a responsibility to consider the impacts of our daily lives. Drive carefully at night. Be watchful for wildlife on the road. And if you hit or see an animal in distress, call somebody who can help, like Bonorong.”

All of September is National Biodiversity Month and 2 August marks National Tree Day.