Dear Koala Lovers,

Today, I gave a speech at the International Conference for Conservation Biologists here in Brisbane and also released this press release.

Our new government members has now been finalised and I now hope work with my 16th Environment Minister, Senator Murray Watt. I have written to him about an appointment to discuss the plight of the Koala.

I am worried that this new government will do as the past one has, not take the hard decisions that are/will be necessary to save Koala habitat.

I have also been watching very closely the issue in Victoria where Koalas were shot from helicopters and have seen correspondence from the Department that does not necessarily match what some carers and activists have witnessed on the ground.

Victorian Koalas in my view should have the same protection as Koalas in the rest of Australia and I will hopefully be discussing that with the Minister, if and when he decides to meet with me. His predecessor did not ever offer that opportunity.

I have also re-visited in recent times on my social media platforms about the Koalas that have died from ghastly situations and I am hoping that this may give the new Minister cause for concern. He was of course a resident of Queensland during what can only be described as shocking declines causing the Koala to go from Common to Vulnerable to Endangered.

Thanks as always for the support we/I receive from you.

Kindest regards
Deborah