Tasmania’s ‘clean and pristine’ brand underpins tens of thousands of jobs and brings billions of dollars into the state. Yet, neither major party has demonstrated any real leadership in the lead up to the election in tackling Tasmania’s declining environment and deteriorating image.

Accordingly, ahead of the election, 26 environment groups from across the state have called on ‘the next Tasmanian Government’ to protect and invest in nature, to safeguard the state’s economy and the ‘Tasmanian way of life’.

The groups are deeply concerned by the state’s environmental declines, the lack of political interest in reversing these declines and the deterioration of Tasmania’s unique brand. We are fast approaching a year since Tasmania’s ‘State of the Environment Report 2024’ was released. Yet, the Liberal Government has failed to act on the key recommendations in the report and Labor has remained silent.

The groups are calling on ‘the next government’ to prioritise the protection of Tasmania and Tasmanians over the interests of extractive corporations and to invest in a brighter, healthier future for the state.

The open letter has been sent to MPs and candidates.

“Both major parties should turn away from ‘Trump-like’ environmental decision-making, publicly acknowledge the state’s environmental declines and present a clear plan to restore Tasmania’s environment – as part of their election promise. If Tasmania’s next government fails to act, it could be catastrophic for the state’s prosperity,” said James Overington, CEO, Environment Tasmania.

 “For far too long, both major political parties in Lutruwita / Tasmania have been in a race to the bottom when it comes to environmental policies. We are in the midst of a biodiversity and climate crisis, which requires urgent action, not ignorance. When parliament recognises that the community cares about nature, then the amazing places and people of Lutruwita / Tasmania will be better off,” said Alice Hardinge, Tasmanian Campaigns Manager, Wilderness Society.