A Victorian Greens motion calling for an extinction inquiry has been passed in parliament.
The inquiry will investigate and report on the decline of Victoria's ecosystems, as well as the measures in place to protect threatened and endangered species, including:
- The extent of the decline of Victoria's biodiversity and its impact
- The adequacy of current legislation in protecting Victoria's environment
- The effectiveness of Government programs in restoring Victoria's ecosystems
- Opportunities to restore the environment while upholding First Peoples' connection to country
Leader of the Victorian Greens, Samantha Ratnam, welcomed parliament's support for the inquiry and said it would go a long way towards finding solutions to the state's extinction crisis.
There are currently over 700 birds, insects, plants and animals facing extinction in Victoria.
As stated by Samantha Ratnam MLC, Leader of the Victorian Greens:
"Australia was the first country in the world to lose a species to climate change - the Bramble Cay melomys.
"We urgently need solutions and our inquiry will help identify problems and solutions. Let's hear from experts in the field and communities that see the impact of habitat loss, and consider the best path forward.
"We expect that the solutions provided by the inquiry will offer jobs in caring and conservation, connections to nature that foster health and well-being, and the opportunity for Victoria to lead Australia in the fight against extinction.
"We look forward to getting the inquiry underway and fighting to save the hundreds of species under threat across our state."
As stated by Ellen Sandell, Victorian Greens Spokesperson for Environment:
"There are over 700 plants, animals and insects at risk of extinction in Victoria. The Labor Government is contributing to this by logging our native forests, failing to fund our National Parks properly, and approving coal and gas projects. Animals like the tiny leadbeater's possum face extinction.
"Hopefully this inquiry will provide a much-needed wake-up call for the Labor Government and spur them to act now to stop extinction."
