Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that the biggest threat to endangered koala populations is habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation; and

(b) calls on the Government to implement a moratorium on the clearing and destruction of koala habitat.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Since 2014, the coalition government has invested over $26 million on projects supporting outcomes for koalas, ranging from tree planting, propagation of food trees and reconnecting koala corridors. The Morrison government recently announced a further $18 million investment to support this iconic species, and $14 million of this package will be directed to habitat restoration in priority areas, with the remaining funds supporting a national Koala census, health research and wildlife care. All EPBC assessments take into account the impacts of habitat loss on relevant listed threatened species and communities. Published reports on the impacts of the 2019-20 bushfires, including for koalas, are also taken into consideration in the context of each individual assessment.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that general business notice of motion No. 865 standing in the name of Senator Hanson-Young be agreed to.