A matter of life or death

Campaigns promoting Australia to the world normally run through a few regular tropes, but always include our unique wildlife. Yet, it’s almost as if such an abundance of natural wonders has made us complacent and, based on growing evidence, utterly negligent.

Among developed nations Australia is towards the bottom when it comes to protecting its biodiversity. Since colonisation, 104 species have been officially acknowledged as extinct, with more than 1900 animals, plants and ecological communities designated as at risk of becoming extinct.

It’s not just the obscure or unfamiliar that are under threat.

The koala was elevated in February to an endangered species in

NSW and Queensland.

That means one of the nation’s most beloved animals is at high risk of being extinct in those two states in the short term. Most lesser-known animals confronted by the same threat face a grim future.

As an election issue, climate change is struggling to rate a mention, let alone concern over protecting our flora and fauna.

There is no shortage of experts raising the alarm bells on this issue. The evidence is there for all to see. Whoever wins government at the federal election must step up. It is literally a matter of life and death.