Greens join Wildlife Recovery Australia to call for federal funding for wildlife care services

Wildlife Recovery Australia are on a national tour with Australia's first mobile wildlife hospital, ‘Matilda’, to advocate for federal funding for a National Framework for wildlife rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Without federal funding, wildlife rescue services like ‘Matilda’ risk forced closure - leaving countless sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife without care. 

As part of a consortium with other wildlife conservation groups in four states (Wildlife Victoria, WA Wildlife, RSPCA Queensland plus WRA Chair Dr Ken Henry), they have developed a pre-budget submission for a National Framework, which they will be calling for support for during their visit to the nation’s capital. 

The Greens call on the Federal Government to implement the National Framework for Wildlife Protection and commit to funding these vital, life-saving services.

Wildlife Recovery Australia will have ‘Matilda’ at Parliament House to showcase to MPs and Senators during their Canberra stop on their national tour. 

Quotes attributable to Greens spokesperson for the environment, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young: 

“Our environment is in crisis and as a consequence our wildlife are paying the price. We are seeing decreasing native wildlife populations and a number of species, including the koala, are facing extinction.

“Wildlife rescue services across the country are struggling to keep their doors open. These vital services have been underfunded for far too long and such unsung heroes work tirelessly to protect our native animals, often at great personal expense.

“Right now, these services rely on the goodwill of volunteers and community donations. It’s time for a national response and proper investment to protect our sick and injured wildlife. 

“These organisations deserve full funding, so they can focus more on saving lives without worrying about keeping their doors open.

“I have written to the Environment Minister calling on him to act. It’s time for the Federal Government to step up and provide guaranteed funding to these vital, life-saving services.”