Andrea Dawkins MP | Greens' Environment spokesperson
The government’s announcement that three of the four current wombat cull permits are to be revoked comes after months of pressure from the community, in large part the Wombat Warriors, and support of the Greens in Parliament.
While the revocation is welcome, it falls far short of a real ban.
A ban on crop protection permits being issued for wombats is the only way to prevent localised extinction and ensure survival of the species.
While wombat numbers have plummeted due to the spread of sarcoptic mange, the Hodgman Government has sat idly by. It was left to community groups to take up the challenge to save Tasmania precious wombat population.
The government have clung to spotlight surveys, and ignored the pleas of community groups who have seen wombats suffering, and dying in their hundreds.
We commend the Wombat Warriors for their commitment to treating sick wombats, and for their tenacious advocacy. It is well past time the Liberals listened to Tasmanians, and did the right thing to protect this well-loved native species by banning the killing of wombats.