2025-02-14
The Greens are calling on the Albanese Government to immediately release its response to UNESCO regarding the endangered Maugean skate.
UNESCO has raised concerns with the Federal government about the risks to the Maugean Skate, yet despite repeated requests the government has refused to make its response public.
A Freedom of Information request for the document was also denied, with no valid justification provided.
“What is the government trying to hide?” Greens Senator for Tasmania Nick McKim said.
“No doubt the government is embarrassed by its response to UNESCO, but people have the right to know how their Government is responding to the likely extinction of a species and the impact of industrial salmon farming on a World Heritage property.”
“The Government’s own environment department has confirmed that reduced oxygen levels in Macquarie Harbour - driven by salmon farming - are the key threat to the Maugean skate’s survival.”
“Australia has obligations under the World Heritage Convention to keep the public informed about threats to world heritage areas, yet the Government is refusing to release this critical information.”
“The Maugean skate is on the brink, and the Government should be taking every possible step to save it.”
“Instead, they are prioritising the profits of foreign-owned fish farming corporations over transparency and action.”
“The world is watching. The Government must release its response to UNESCO and act to stop the extinction of this ancient species.”