2026-06-21
Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is backing calls from leading conservation organisations, including BirdLife Australia and the Invasive Species Council, for the Federal Government to establish a $200 million emergency response fund to combat the growing threat posed by the H5N1 avian influenza outbreak.
The call comes after Senator Hanson-Young warned the Federal Government about the risk of an outbreak nearly two years ago, writing to the Environment and Agriculture Ministers in September 2024 urging immediate action to strengthen Australia's preparedness.
Quotes Attributable to Sarah Hanson-Young, Senator for SA and spokesperson for Environment and Water:
"Australia is staring down one of the biggest domestic crises since Covid, and the Government has had almost two years to prepare for it.
”The Government must urgently boost funding to help save our Australian native wildlife from this deadly virus.
“The experience around the world shows that this strain of bird flu will be devastating to Australian wildlife and could push iconic species like Tassie Devils, black swans and sea lions to the brink of extinction.
“If the Albanese Government are serious about protecting wildlife then they must urgently scale up the funding to build wildlife population resilience.
"The Government has known this threat was coming for nearly two years. Australians deserve to know whether Labor spent that time preparing for the outbreak or simply hoping it wouldn't happen.
“The Government has been well aware of the risks. The question now is whether it has done enough to prepare.
"If H5N1 becomes established in Australia, the consequences for our native birds, marine life and unique ecosystems could be devastating. We cannot afford to be caught flat-footed.
"Australia is home to some of the most unique wildlife on Earth, and many of our most iconic species could be placed at risk if this virus becomes established in wild populations.
"Now that this crisis is at our doorstep, the Government must show it has done the work and provide the resources needed to protect Australia's wildlife, environment and agricultural industries.
"A $200 million emergency response fund is the minimum required to ensure wildlife carers, conservation organisations, scientists and governments have the resources they need to respond rapidly and effectively.
"Protecting Australia's biodiversity requires more than thoughts and prayers. It requires a well-funded, coordinated national response, and it requires it now.