Adam Bandt (Melbourne, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

Traditional owners and their supporters continue to gather, protest and protect country on traditional Djab Wurrung land in western Victoria. Distressingly, the Victorian government's plan to destroy thousands of sacred trees has now been approved by federal environment minister Susan Ley. The loss of land is part of a road-widening project along the Western Highway which will save motorists an average of just two to three minutes of travel time. The land is sacred. This land features in a songline, or Dreaming track, of the Djab Wurrung people, including a 300-year-old 'directions' tree. The destruction of this landscape represents the destruction of culture. The construction works will threaten the natural environment of endangered species, including the stumpy tailed lizard and the mitji kangaroo. Traditional owners and their supporters have been campaigning for over 13 months to protect this site.

In February this year, the Victorian Andrews government announced plans to change the proposed route to save 13 of the most sacred Djab Wurrung trees, but this isn't enough. Justice for Australia's First Nations people must mean more than slogans. It has to involve deep respect for connection to country and recognition of the Djab Wurrung as the traditional owners of this country. In April, as the 800-year-old Notre Dame cathedral in Paris burned, Australians joined many around the world in mourning the destruction of such a sacred and celebrated site. Members from both Labor and Liberal entertained the idea of a government fund to rebuild the popular cathedral, yet when traditional owners demand protection for their own sacred sites Labor and Liberal go silent. It's time to respect and protect country and cancel this plant destruction.

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