Hello Koala Lovers,
Well, I think the Australian people have really spoken to our political leaders with a massive swing away from both parties, and a whole stack of independents (a lot of them women), who, I think, are going to keep our parliaments more open and transparent. I could not be happier.
But, there is always a but, I think the concept of a Koala Protection Act still “scares the horses”.
Why? Because it will put more pressure on industry to do a better job. I know there will also be a lot of posturing from the new Government that will say they will introduce the changes recommended by the Samuels Review to the EPBC Act, I still do not think that is enough for the Koala. The AKF does not, and I know you do not either, believe that the Koala has the time for them to do this – it could take years. And I am confident that even with changes that the legislation is not fit for purpose. And the real purpose must be “don’t cut down the trees”.
Check out an interview I did just before the election.
The new Environment Minister has not been announced yet and the old one’s party did not win re-election. The shadow minister lost her seat so I think we might have a clean sweep in Canberra that hopefully will lead to us being heard more. It has been a ghastly 9 years with a conservative government not listening to anything about conservation nor the environment.
The Koala Kiss Project is going well. The scientists have now worked out how to link the habitats, and that report will be finished soon. We certainly have a lot of interest in the project, and we will set a pilot project in place, probably by September – Save the Koala Month. Remember this is a time when your community can celebrate both the Koala and our work. We take no government funding, so have a look at the Save the Koala Month page and let us know what you are planning. I would like it to be our best yet.
I will be writing to the new Environment Minister the minute we know her/his name.
Well done to the Koala Army – we heard that many people looked at it and even explained the election to their children. I could not be happier.
Regards,
Deborah