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.

Tasmanian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson today welcomes the announcement from Prime Minister Scott Morrison that paid pandemic leave will be extended to Tasmania but says that it needs broader eligibility criteria. He today calls for all Tasmanian workers to be eligible for the payment.

Senator Whish-Wilson first called for Premier Gutwein to raise with the PM the extension of paid pandemic leave for the 59 000 Tasmanians without leave entitlements on August 6th.

Tasmanian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson today calls on the federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley not to weaken environmental conditions that protect Tasmanian devils for the benefit of mining company Venture Minerals. This comes as peaceful protesters disrupt mining activities at the controversial re-opening of the Riley Creek Mine in the Tarkine. 

“I have formally written to Sussan Ley to ask why she is considering weakening federal environmental protections at the request of a mining company. 

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 Treasury spokesperson Senator Peter Whish-Wilson has called for big companies that are paying out dividends from their profits or buying back shares whilst on JobKeeper, to return the money and no longer be made eligible for the payment.

Senator Whish-Wilson has today written to Treasury proposing the change to JobKeeper eligibility.

"The fact that the average citizen right now is worried about job security and making ends meet, whilst large companies are getting Government hand-outs and buying up shares, is simply obscene.

Tasmanian Senator Peter Whish-Wilson has called for Tasmania to be included in the Federal Government's Paid Pandemic Leave scheme, with ABS data showing Tasmania has the highest percentage of employees without leave entitlements in the country.

Senator Whish-Wilson has today written to Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein asking him to request that the PM include Tasmania in the paid pandemic leave scheme, giving it the best chance to fight against COIVD-19.

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.

Witnesses today outlined their frustration with decades-long recycling policy failure in today’s hearing into the Packaging and Plastics Bill 2019.
 
Greens Waste and Recycling spokesperson, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, tabled the bill last year where it was referred to an inquiry. This is the first hearing for the inquiry.
 
Senator Whish-Wilson said, “What we’ve heard loud and clear this morning  is that we need substantial action in tackling the recycling crisis in line with what we see from governments overseas.

Greens Waste and Recycling spokesperson, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, comments on today's announcement of a 'Recycling Modernisation Plan,' highlighting yet another wasted opportunity to fix the recycling crisis as well as the plastics that are polluting our oceans.
 
Senator Whish-Wilson said, “After three years of sitting on its hands, the Government has finally moved to fix the recycling crisis - unfortunately, today's initiative just won't work.
 
“All the money in the world isn’t going to fix the waste crisis if we don’t improve the way we recycle.