Greens spokesperson for the environment Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is calling for a federal investment of $20 million a year into a National Wildlife Rescue Strategy.
Today she will be at the Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital in Knockrow, alongside Greens candidate for the seat of Richmond Mandy Nolan and wildlife organisations from across the country.
Senator Hanson-Young says a new injection of regular and guaranteed federal funding will provide critical funding to businesses, organisations and volunteers across the country who provide rescue, care and veterinary services for injured and endangered wildlife.
The proposed national framework to fund critical wildlife rescue and rehabilitation services would support emergency wildlife responders, rescue operations, rehabilitation programs and veterinary treatment of native animals (in wildlife hospitals and volunteer care).
Environment in crisis
Senator Hanson-Young said ‘Our environment is in a crisis and as a consequence our wildlife are paying the price. We are seeing decreasing numbers in our native wildlife and a number of species, including the iconic koala, are facing extinction.
‘The Greens plan to allocate $20 million to wildlife rescue will provide services with the financial boost to keep their doors open and continue providing critical support for our endangered wildlife,’ she said.
‘All over the country, wildlife rescue services are struggling to keep the doors open. These vital services have been underfunded for far too long and are forced to rely on donations and inconsistent state funding. This is just not good enough.
‘It is clear that in order to protect our precious species, like the koala, the federal government must step up and do its part.’
Minority?
Senator Hanson-Young says experts are predicting that Australia will have a minority government after the 2025 election.
‘Communities like this one here in the Northern Rivers will be crucial to determining the priorities of the next government,’ she said. ‘You can send Mandy Nolan to parliament to be another strong voice for environmental protection and climate action.
‘Voting Green is a vote to protect our wildlife, our ecosystems, and our planet. In a minority government, we will hold Labor to account and fight for stronger action to save our species, combat the climate crisis, and safeguard our precious environment.’
Greens Candidate for Richmond Mandy Nolan said, ‘I’m hearing from those providing care that they are utterly stretched, and climate-fuelled disasters like the recent cyclone Alfred are only making things worse.
‘Wildlife carers are unsung and unseen heroes who often dedicate themselves 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,’ she said.
‘They tell me caring is addictive, and it’s time this sector was properly resourced to look after critically endangered animals, in one of most biodiverse regions in the country.”
‘We have seen extreme weather events time and time again in this local area and whilst our community is paying the price, so too are our precious wildlife.
‘Here in Richmond, we only need a 1.8 per cent swing to win this seat, which has been held by the same Labor MP for 20 years. Whilst the major parties have continued to delay real environmental protections, you can count on the Greens to be a consistent voice for our environment,’ said Mandy Nolan.
‘At this year’s election, a vote for the Greens is a vote for our environment and wildlife.’
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