Conservationists rally for stronger nature laws ahead of Federal Parliament return

Queenslanders demanded the Albanese Government pass strong new nature laws at a Rally for Reform today, where concerned citizens will call for our beloved animals and threatened species to be safeguarded ahead of the federal election.

The Nature Positive reform agenda has so far been delayed by the Labor government, with the introduction of an independent environmental protection agency and central environment data agency not brought to a vote in the senate last year. 

It has been more than two years since the Labor government announced the nature positive plan and committed to reforming the out-dated and ineffective Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. 

Queensland Conservation Council and The Wilderness Society – alongside concerned citizens, expert scientists and environment groups – are today calling for strong new federal nature laws to be passed as a priority in the final federal parliament sitting week before the election, with appropriate amendments to protect Australia’s forest and bushland from the scourge of deforestation.

Queensland Conservation Council Deputy Director Anthony Gough said:

“The next two weeks is the Albanese Government's last chance to fulfil its commitment to protect endangered species by passing strong nature laws before the election. 

“Enough is enough. Koalas, greater gliders and over 2000 other animal and plant species are currently threatened with extinction. Endangered species like koalas can’t afford to wait while the Prime Minister prioritises politics over their very existence. 

“We understand a deal was reached late last year between the Environment Minister and the crossbench on strong new nature laws before Anthony Albanese intervened, telling colleagues it would be considered in February instead.

“This is a matter of integrity. With an election looming, Queenslanders need to know they can trust the Albanese Government to keep its promises. 

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to protect our wildlife for the benefit of generations to come, and we implore the Albanese government to urgently commit to reforming environment laws.”

Queensland Conservation Council Protect Country Strategist Paul Spearim said: 

“For many thousands of years, First Nations peoples have continually cared for nature and protected our traditional connection to our environment, water and animals. 

“For First Nations People the loss of birds, animals, water and trees brings with it a sad loss of spiritual connection with the land and culture. We as a society need to ensure we're protecting nature and culture, which for us are inseparable.

"QCC has a deep commitment to standing with First Nations People and communities in the struggle to improve our federal nature laws, and ensure they are front and centre in decision-making about their traditional lands.”

Wilderness Society Queensland Campaigns Manager Hannah Schuch said:

“Queenslanders have a clear message for Prime Minister Albanese: Nature positive isn’t a buzzword. Nature positive means stopping rampant deforestation, ending species extinctions, and ensuring a fair say for the public in environmental decisions.

“Right now, Australia’s broken laws are turbo-charging deforestation in Queensland – with over 300,000 hectares of forests and bushland destroyed each year – mostly for pasture expansion. Rarely is this destruction assessed by the Federal government, pushing threatened species like the koala and ecosystems like the Great Barrier Risk closer to extinction. The Albanese government has the power to close the loopholes that are enabling this ongoing destruction.

“It’s time for the government to do its job and deliver real protection for nature – here in Queensland and nationwide."



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