Nick McKim (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I, and also on behalf of Senator Whish-Wilson, table a petition signed by 270,000 people calling for the takayna/Tarkine to be protected by World Heritage listing. I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Nick McKim (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This is the biggest petition ever tabled in the Senate, and it is from 270,000 people from right around the world who want to see the beautiful, unique takayna/Tarkine area protected for its outstanding Aboriginal, cultural and natural heritage values. This is one of the last great strongholds of the Tasmanian devil and it contains one of Australia's largest temperate rainforests. And 270,000 people signing this petition shows the depth of feeling and the desire around the world for this beautiful part of Tasmania to be protected under World Heritage listing on behalf of all of humanity. Senator Whish-Wilson and I invite opposition leader Bill Shorten and Prime Minister Scott Morrison to come down to Tasmania, and we, along with members of the Tasmanian Aboriginal community, will show them around so they can see for themselves this beautiful area, thanks to Patagonia and former senator Bob Brown. (Time expired)