Actions to Save Wildlife More Urgent Than Ever

Extinction Crisis: Actions to Save Wildlife More Urgent Than Ever

The Albanese Government is facing an uphill battle to deliver on its promise of no further wildlife extinctions in the next decade following the Prime Minister’s axing of nature law reforms, according to national peak body BirdLife Australia.

BirdLife Australia CEO Kate Millar has warned Labor must commit and deliver a “rescue package” for nature to compensate for three years of lost action if Australia is to have any chance of “stemming the extinction tide”.

“When the Albanese Government came to power in 2022, they declared the environment was ‘back’ under Labor.” Ms Millar said.

“The number of plant and animal species declared extinct has increased by 10 per cent in the past decade, alongside over 200 newly threatened species.

“It’s unrealistic to think Australia can reverse its extinction trend in the next decade without significant improvements to government funding, laws and enforcement.”

BirdLife Australia’s sentiments are in line with Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek (below) when launching the Albanese Government’s commitment to no new extinctions of plants and animals in 2022:

” The need for action to protect our plants, animals and ecosystems from extinction has never been greater… Our current approach has not been working. If we keep doing what we’ve been doing, we’ll keep getting the same results… I will not shy away from difficult problems or accept environmental decline and extinction as inevitable.”

– Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, Media Release, Minister Launches Threatened Species Action Plan: Towards Zero Extinctions, 4 October 2022.

Ms Millar said that the failure of any meaningful action by the Albanese government has been profoundly disappointing to the many thousands of Australians who are concerned about the current extinction crisis, including BirdLife Australia’s 400,000 plus army of citizen scientists and supporters across Australia.

“Nearly one in six of Australia’s birds are already threatened with extinction and their future is most at risk in the next decade if we take no action.”

“On top of habitat loss, fires, floods, drought, and invasive species, Australia’s birds are also facing the imminent arrival of a deadly new strain of bird flu.

“That’s why continued Government inaction is a guaranteed negative for the future of Australia’s environment, economy and energy transition,” Ms Millar said.

Birdlife Australia will be targeting candidates in upcoming elections to demonstrate their commitment to a range of practical and grassroots initiatives to stem the loss of Australia’s endangered species and their critical habitat.

“We have proven that there are practical steps that can be taken to deliver a truly nature positive future for Australian birds,” Ms Millar said. “There are solutions that will make life easier for businesses while protecting nature. What we need are members of Parliament with a genuine commitment to the programs, laws, and enforcement so desperately needed, rather than more hollow promises that fail business, community and nature.”

BirdLife Australia Media Enquiries: Please contact James Johnson on 0423 659 324 or at media@birdlife.org.au.

Help us secure laws that work for nature

Australia is in the grip of an extinction crisis. We desperately need to change the way we manage our natural systems to better protect our beloved native birds, other wildlife, and the natural environment. You can help us save native Aussie birds.

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