2023-05-10
Responding to the Federal budget, Greens spokesperson for Environment Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:
“No matter how they try and spin it, the numbers are clear – protecting nature is just not a priority for this government.
“This budget shows that the Greens are the only party in this Parliament who are truly willing to fight for our environment.
“It was very disappointing that the Treasurer’s budget night speech didn’t include the environment at all.
“We are in an extinction crisis. Our native species need funding now. Yet, there was no new funding allocated to species protection and recovery in the budget, and what was promised last October barely makes a dent in what scientists say is required to address the extinction crisis we face.
“There has been no attempt from the Government to address the root causes of biodiversity loss and ban native forest logging.
“If there was any hope left that the Minister was serious about the commitments to protect 30 per cent of land and seas and achieve zero extinction by 2030, this budget has dashed it.
“Putting the creation of a nature market before establishing an Environment Protection Agency, legislating environmental standards and fixing our broken environmental laws is the nail in the coffin.
“Australia’s environment needs protection, not a ‘Green Wall Street’ propped up by bogus offsets. The Albanese Government has well and truly put the cart before the horse and the environment will suffer as a result.
“It is a lie to say that the Government cannot afford greater environmental protection. Last night’s budget was one of carefully considered priorities, and the environment was left off that list.”