As Australia faces a critical ecological crisis, it’s a pivotal moment for the Greens to assert themselves as the true champions of the environment, says Sue Arnold.
What will it take for the Greens to prioritize Australia’s environmental crises? Right now, none of the major parties—Labor, Liberal, or National—are addressing these challenges. They instead pursue policies that threaten biodiversity and ecosystems.
While the world confronts the sixth great extinction and the harsh realities of climate change, Australia’s leaders seem disconnected from this urgent reality. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and state governments seem more focused on economic growth than ecological integrity.
Jenny Weber, a campaign manager for the Bob Brown Foundation, voiced deep concerns in a recent message to environmental organizations. She pointed out that impending environmental disasters are often overlooked in favor of corporate interests. Environmental laws, crucial for protecting ecosystems, are being weakened instead of strengthened.
This indifference to expert recommendations is alarming. The 2020 Independent Review of the EPBC Act suggested abolishing exemptions for logging native forests. Yet, both major parties ignored this advice, allowing logging and degradation to continue unchecked.
Consider Tasmania, where alarming statistics reveal a dire future for native forests. Between 2025 and 2028, over 46,000 hectares are set to be logged, threatening wildlife habitats. Most of this logging will result in woodchips, exported to places like Taiwan and China, with minimal transparency regarding their use.
In New South Wales, recent policies have reclassified native forests as “plantations,” stripping them of legal protections. During a recent Legislative Council hearing, Environment Minister Penny Sharpe confirmed government support for plantation forestry, further jeopardizing native ecosystems.
Dr. Tim Cadman, who studies forest policy, has highlighted the alarming trend of converting native forests to plantations, which contributes to deforestation. He notes that many plantations contain original trees, making them suitable for species like koalas despite common misconceptions.
This issue isn’t just a local concern; it’s a national one. Queensland, known as the “deforestation capital of Australia,” also struggles to protect its natural habitats. Over 1,000 times the size of Sydney’s CBD was cleared in 2022-23, endangering wildlife, particularly in areas surrounding the Great Barrier Reef. Recent reports reveal a significant decline in coral cover, further stressing the urgent need for action.
As the threat of irreversible environmental crises looms, the need for a strong voice advocating for change has never been greater. The Greens must seize this moment to champion the environment and address public and scientific concerns about the future of Australia’s ecology.
Without a louder, more effective push for sustainable policies, Australia’s unique natural heritage stands on shaky ground. The time for action, both from the public and the Greens, is now.
Sue Arnold is an investigative journalist focused on environmental issues. Follow her on Twitter @koalacrisis.
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