On National Threatened Species Day, Senator Whish-Wilson and Rosalie Woodruff MP highlight proposed EPBC law changes and the implications they have for Tasmania in the transfer of powers from the Commonwealth to the state.

Quotes attributable to Senator Whish-Wilson:

"This all started here in Tasmania in the fight to save the Franklin river.

"It was a watershed moment that led to the realisation that states could not go unchecked and strong environmental laws would be needed to prevent this from ever happening again.

Greens Healthy Oceans spokesperson, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, today comments on an inquiry hearing in which Tasmanian and Victorian fishermen describe 'troubling times' as their industry struggles in the aftermath of seismic testing by the oil and gas industry.

"What we heard today is that consultation processes have broken down, compensation schemes are still to be enforced, testing permit terms are set by the oil and gas companies themselves and there are huge gaps in research.

Greens Healthy Oceans spokesperson, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, says damning new research into the harmful impacts of seismic testing will be raised by a Senate inquiry next week.
 
The ABC reports that research conducted by Fishwell Consulting found catch rates for whiting were down by 99.5 per cent at Lakes Entrance where French company, CGG, are conducting a seismic survey for oil and gas.
 

Greens Healthy Oceans spokesperson, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, comments on data released today revealing high numbers of threatened and protected species killed in New South Wales shark nets.

The Department of Primary Industries report details the latest annual figures for the NSW Shark Meshing Program 2019-20.

Greens Healthy Oceans spokesperson, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, welcomes the NSW Government’s investment in non-lethal shark mitigation measures announced today, but calls for the immediate removal of lethal shark nets. 
 
Senator Whish-Wilson said, “I’m disappointed that the NSW Government has chosen to continue its use of lethal shark nets. 
 
“There is no evidence that lethal methods make ocean-goers safe and are instead, designed to provide a false sense of security. If the NSW Government has evidence to the contrary, I would be very surprised.  
 

Senator Whish-Wilson today comments on breaking news that a whale and calf are currently caught in shark nets near the Gold Coast and calls on the Queensland Government to remove shark nets during whale migration season.
 
“Footage of the two trapped whales is sickening to watch.
 
“Just how much more distress must Australians experience as they watch from around the country and from their own beaches, until the Queensland Government puts a stop to a policy that doesn't work?

Greens Healthy Oceans spokesperson, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson and Queensland Senator Larissa Waters have written to Mark Furner, Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, after media reports that a Queensland man is under investigation for releasing a whale calf entangled in a shark net at Burleigh Heads.

Senator Whish-Wilson said, "The man in question - dubbed 'Tinny Man' by locals - received a standing ovation from people watching from the shore who were frustrated and distressed at seeing nothing being done.

Greens Healthy Oceans spokesperson, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, urges the Federal Government to end exemptions granted to state governments that allow them to conduct trials of lethal shark control measures after a humpback whale was entangled in a shark net off the Queensland coast earlier today. 
 
Senator Whish-Wilson said, "Lethal shark measures are indiscriminate killers and weapons of mass destruction to protected marine life. This morning’s whale entanglement is yet more sobering evidence of this.”
 

Today's Federal announcement of the Antarctic Science Strategic Plan continues the Government's blind approach to Antarctic science funding through infrastructure, but neglects the very programs and livelihoods that this infrastructure is supposed to support.

Tasmanian Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said, "Aerodromes and runways and boats are nothing if there aren't the scientists, researchers, skippers and pilots to occupy them.

"They are meaningless if there isn't long-term research funding certainty to underwrite our future presence in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean.

Tasmanian Senator Peter Whish-Wilson and Greens' spokesperson for science, research and innovation, Senator Janet Rice comment on today’s ARC announcement of $56m in funding for Antarctic science.  

Senator Whish-Wilson said, "Whilst any new funding for Antarctic, Southern Ocean and climate science is welcome, today’s ARC funding announcement has dudded Tasmania as Australia’s Antarctic gateway, and presents significant uncertainties for Tasmanian scientists, their communities and our economy going forward.