New federal government must show environmental leadership

Media Release
8th September, 2010

Leading Australian conservation group The Wilderness Society has welcomed the new Gillard Government, formed with the support of Independents and The Greens, as a great opportunity for environmental leadership on a number of issues.  It has also called on the new Parliament to take a reality check on the question of federal intervention on Queensland’s wild rivers laws.

"It was abundantly clear from the election that people wanted much more action on the environment", said Dr Tim Seelig, Wilderness Society Queensland Campaigns Manager.

"The surge in support for the Greens across the country shows people want to see action on climate change, nature conservation and other environmental priorities."

"The Liberals and Labor chose to mostly ignore the environment during their election campaigns, and failed to develop credible responses to climate change. Both parties were missing-in-action.  We are now very encouraged by the shape of the new government, the alliance with the Greens, and the commitment to move on climate change policy."

"The Wilderness Society looks forward to the new Parliament having a far stronger focus on the environment and we encourage all the political parties to develop better environmental policies and positions, and for the Independents to support them." Dr Seelig said.

The Wilderness Society will continue to advocate for environment protection from today, to promote its policies and priorities in the new parliamentary term.  These include ending native forest logging, protecting our unique natural ecosystems and marine environments, supporting Indigenous conservation, stopping the gas hub development in the Kimberley, and securing World Heritage listing for Cape York Peninsula.

The organization has also warned that the new Parliament should resist any attempt to wind back Queensland’s wild rivers laws, and urged the new government and the Independents to see through the base politics at play on the issue.

"We have seen a number of conservative politicians from Tony Abbott down suggesting they will continue to seek to attack the protection of Wild Rivers in Queensland", Dr Seelig commented.  

Earlier this year, a Senate Committee examined wild rivers issues, and most members concluded federal intervention was neither necessary nor desirable.

"The wild river laws are sensible and essential leading edge environmental regulations which protect Native Title rights, allow sustainable development and support cultural and recreational activities. Their removal would be a green light for developing sensitive ecological areas”.