Today’s packed lunch-time public rally in support of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, held in the Hobart Town Hall, sends a loud message to the Federal Liberal government to accept the area’s current protected status, and to withdraw the delisting application, said Greens Leader Kim Booth MP.
“The Abbott government’s push to delist the tall forests in areas that the World Heritage Committee itself has expressed concern over on numerous occasions since 1989, exposes the nation and Tasmania to international ridicule and embarrassment,” Mr Booth said.
“It is clear to all that this push is nothing more than a blind, selfish and ideologically driven vendetta, which just wants to winds back any achievements made by those who sing from a different song-book to that of Prime Minister Abbott, Senator Colbeck and Premier Hodgman.”
“Tony Abbott should hang his head in shame for bringing the nation’s and Tasmania’s reputation into disrepute. Risking our diverse and carbon rich forests, and risking our Aboriginal cultural heritage in an attempt to score a political point or two is not the mark of a leader.”
“Will Hodgman should also hang his head in shame for his failure to stand up against Mr Abbott’s attempt to reinject division into our community.”
“No matter the outcome of the World Heritage Committee in Qatar next month, the Greens are committed to holding the government to account to ensure our World Heritage Area is properly resourced and managed.”
“We also commit to ensuring that the Tasmanian Aboriginal custodianship of these magnificent forested landscapes is recognised, and that the Aboriginal community is consulted and included in the ongoing research and management of these areas as recommended in the ICOMOS formal advice to the World Heritage Committee.”
“Tasmanians do not deserve to see our community riven with conflict stirred up by the ideological bent of Mr Abbott, and Senators Abetz and Colbeck. The Liberals need to let go of their petty political point-scoring agenda, move on, and let Tasmania move forward,” Mr Booth said.