Yesterday the senate supported a motion by Greens’ Healthy Oceans spokesperson, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, to establish an inquiry into the impact of seismic testing on fisheries and the marine environment.

“This is an emerging issue that has united environmentalists and fishers.

“Oil and gas cannot be allowed to take over our oceans.

“We are facing a climate emergency that threatens the entire marine ecosystem.

Tasmanian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson commented on the defeat in the senate today of a motion calling on the Treasurer to put additional conditions on the approval of the sale of VDL diary to Moon Lake.

“Our foreign investment laws aren’t worth the paper they are written on if the government can’t monitor, audit or enforce undertakings made by foreign purchases of agricultural land or iconic businesses.

“If any investor fails to meet undertakings given at purchase and these undertakings won’t be enforced by our government, our laws are failing the national interest.

Tasmanian Greens Senator and Greens’ Healthy Oceans spokesperson, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, responded to the release today of the findings of a study by IMAS scientists on the impact of seismic testing on rock lobsters.

Senator Whish-Wilson said, “This new research provides solid evidence of the harm seismic testing is likely to be causing to an important Tasmanian industry.

“The study found that seismic air guns damage rock lobsters’ ‘inner ear’, and that this damage is most likely permanent.

Statement from Australian Greens Whip Sen. Rachel Siewert:

Today the Australian Greens Party Room met and re-affirmed the positions of our leadership team.

Following a customary spill of the leadership positions, the roles of Leader, Co-Deputy Leader and Whip have all been returned without challenge. The rotating position of Party Room Chair has moved from Adam Bandt MP to Sen. Janet Rice.

The leadership roles for the 46th Parliament are as follows:

Tasmanian Greens Senators Peter Whish-Wilson and Nick McKim have expressed dismay at NOPSEMA's a

Australians love their coastlines and oceans. From sightseeing to surfing, from fishing to sailing, the marine environment is a big part of our lives and our identity.

But our oceans are under serious threat. Global crises such as climate change and plastic pollution are compounding the local impact of overfishing and oil and gas exploration. We must act if we are to protect the two-thirds of the planet covered in water.

Australian Greens Leader Senator Richard Di Natale has welcomed the official start of the election campaign, declaring that the party has never been better equipped to offer a progressive alternative to the old parties. 
 
“We’re ready. On May 18, we’ll give the Australian people a genuine alternative to the old parties, one that offers a positive plan for Australia that will create a better future for all of us,” Sen. Di Natale said.