All Federal Candidates who won a seat in the 2013 Federal Election have now been assessed after being asked the simple question “Will you support the enactment of a Koala Protection Bill”. Most of the members have taken their party line and the answer is ‘no’.  

A Yes, and they receive a ‘Claw’ or [if not,] an ‘Axe’.   At least one elected member will be asked to table a  Koala Protection Bill but the AKF will only table the Bill when we are sure ‘we have the numbers’ to support it’s passing in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.  

Rating levels: Yes to 5 questions Yes to 4 questions Yes to 3 questions Yes to 2 questions Yes to 1 question NO to all questions NO reply received

The questions we asked were; Are you prepared to support the listing of the koala as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act? Minister Garrett is currently reviewing the koala’s status and it is on record that a decision will be made by 30th September 2010. Would you support Koala friendly housing estates, road building and forestry management in your electorate? Will you act to save the remaining native vegetation in your electorate? Do you support the shires in your electorate protecting koala habitat through management plans and protection policy? Do you value the significance of koalas as a native icon?