Senate forum Monday
On the eve of World Environment Day and midway through the federal election campaign, the Wilderness Society is calling for an overhaul of federal environment laws, to increase the integrity of environmental assessments and to protect iconic species threatened with extinction, such as the swift parrot.
The parrot was recently upgraded to the critically endangered list, meaning it is imminent threat of extinction. One of the greatest threats to the survival of the swift parrot is the ongoing logging of its nesting and foraging habitat, yet logging remains exempt from federal environment laws.
“Australia needs environmental laws that work; that protect nature and give certainty,” said Vica Bayley, Tasmanian Campaign Manager for the Wilderness Society.
Environment Groups, through the Places You Love Alliance, are calling on parties contesting the upcoming election to commit to an overhaul of federal environmental protection laws by expanding its remit, establishing a Federal Environmental Protection Agency and enshrining integrity, transparency and accountability in decision making.
“A central feature of these new laws should be the establishment of an independent Environment Protection Authority that is free from political interference and delivers assessments that are independent and trustworthy.
“Fabulous Tasmanian species such as the wedge-tail eagle, swift parrot, giant freshwater lobster and a myriad of quirky invertebrates such as the giant velvet worm still see logging in their key habitat areas.
“Logging is exempt from federal environment laws, but it’s one of the biggest threats to the survival of some Tasmanian species.
“Any overhaul of environment laws administered by the federal government must remove these exemptions and bring logging into line with other industries and the rest of the community.”
The Wilderness Society is hosting a series of Senate forums to explore policy issues relating to climate and nature protection. The next of these is scheduled for Monday, June 6. Senators Nick McKim and Lisa Singh have confirmed participation. The Liberal Party and Lacqui Lambie have been invited. The forum will be at Hadley’s Hotel at 12.30 pm.
www.wilderness.org.au
Vica Bayley Tasmanian Campaign Manager The Wilderness Society (Tasmania) Inc.
