The Andrews Labor Government has shut out the Victorian Liberal Nationals from taking part in a review aimed at strengthening the protection of native wildlife during state emergencies.
After the devastation of the bushfires earlier this year, Victorians were alarmed about the severe loss of wildlife and the inadequacy of the Andrews Labor Government’s wildlife welfare response.
In acknowledgement of the challenges presented by the recent bushfires, the Andrews Labor Government has invited selected stakeholders to a round table discussion today to discuss ways to better protect and care for wildlife during times of emergency.
However, Shadow Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Bridget Vallence has been shut out from participating in the round table discussion, being told she was not welcome because it was a “Government review”.
Yet, hypocritically, in a blatant political stunt the Andrews Government invited Animal Justice Party MP, Andy Meddick to be part of this review alongside wildlife sector stakeholders.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Bridget Vallence:
“It’s appalling the Andrews Labor Government is playing politics when it comes to protection and welfare of our precious native wildlife during bushfire emergencies.
“It’s unacceptable that on such a fundamental issue Daniel Andrews shuts out the Liberal Nationals from participating in a review about wildlife protection during emergencies, whilst buying the votes of minor parties by only allowing them to participate.
“After acknowledging to wildlife groups that it failed to adequately protect wildlife during this summer’s devastating bushfires, you’d think Andrews would finally put politics aside and commit to a bi-partisan approach to help Victorian wildlife.
“Sadly, Andrews shows time and time again he puts his political interest above anything else and has shut out the Liberal Nationals from participating in this important wildlife review.”
