Urgent Call for National Wildlife Protection in Australia Amid Climate Crisis

In Australia, a coalition of animal protection groups and advocates, led by former Treasury secretary Ken Henry, is urging the Albanese government to implement stringent national regulations for the protection of threatened wildlife amid increasing climate-related disasters such as bushfires and floods. This initiative follows a significant overhaul of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, aimed at addressing the alarming decline in biodiversity.

The Guardian

In November 2025, the Australian Labor government enacted a major revision of the EPBC Act, inspired by Graeme Samuel's 2020 review. This legislative change aims to enhance environmental protections through the establishment of new standards and expedited project assessments. Additionally, it will create a new environmental protection agency, which is set to begin operations in July 2026, and will enforce national standards on native forest logging within 18 months.

The Guardian

Ken Henry, now chair of Wildlife Recovery Australia, is a prominent advocate for a coordinated national approach to wildlife protection. He emphasizes the need for government involvement in wildlife rescue efforts, which are currently reliant on volunteers. Other key figures include Lisa Palma, CEO of Wildlife Victoria, and Dean Huxley from WA Wildlife, both of whom stress the importance of government funding for wildlife care.

The Guardian

The demand for wildlife rescue has surged, with volunteers responding to over 320,000 calls for assistance last financial year, conducting nearly 130,000 rescue operations. The pressures of climate change and habitat destruction have exacerbated the situation, leaving many injured animals without adequate support. Henry highlighted that the responsibility for treating injured wildlife often falls on community members and underfunded charities, creating a significant gap in care.

The Guardian

Ken Henry stated, “There’s a huge gap at both federal and state level... more and more animals are getting in harm’s way.” He called for a national strategy to address these challenges. Lisa Palma echoed this sentiment, asserting that “wildlife is a national asset,” yet the burden of care largely rests on volunteers. Dean Huxley remarked, “Government investment is not a luxury item any more, it is essential.”

The Guardian

Critics argue that the current reliance on volunteers is unsustainable and that government intervention is crucial to prevent a further decline in wildlife populations. They contend that without adequate funding and a structured approach, injured wildlife may face dire consequences, a situation that the community would find unacceptable if fully understood.

The Guardian

The Albanese government is expected to address these pressing issues in the upcoming federal budget, scheduled for release on May 12, 2026. Advocates are hopeful that this budget will allocate necessary resources to support wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts, marking a pivotal moment for Australia's environmental policies.

The Guardian