New in-depth research has again shown the swift parrot is on the brink of extinction due to native forest logging. It’s well past time for Liberal and Labor politicians to recognise how alarming this situation is, and to act accordingly by ending native forest logging.
Scientists and conservationists have long highlighted the risks to threatened species posed by the widespread destruction of native forests, but they’ve been ignored by politicians more worried about propping up this loss-making industry for the sake of politics. As a result we now have species like the swift parrot closer than ever to the brink.
Tasmania is meant to be the clean and green state, but swift parrot habitat continues to be clearfelled and burned – and both the Liberal and Labor parties have committed to continuing with this outdated practice for another 15 years. In contrast, Victoria and Western Australia are ending native forest logging.
Liberal and Labor politicians should care about this wonderful sp ecies for its own sake. But if they can’t do that, at the very least they should care about the terrible damage that will be caused to the Tasmanian brand if this iconic bird goes extinct.
This state election has shown more Tasmanians than ever are fed up with the two major political parties. It’s time they read the room and started acting the best interests of Tasmania, rather than playing political games with such important issues.
