Greens Senator for Tasmania, Peter Whish-Wilson, says that new Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg, by joining with the Hodgman Government in the Federal Court appeal to re-open the four-wheel drive tracks in the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area, is setting a precedent that may undermine all Aboriginal cultural protection across the nation.

Senator Whish-Wilson said, “The Federal Government has joined with the Tasmanian Government in arguing that cultural heritage protections only refer to specific sites and artefacts and not the landscape that they reside in.

Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said, "Yesterday a recently retired regional manager sounded the alarm by saying the move to reopen 4WD tracks in National Heritage areas of the Tarkine coast would damage more priceless Aboriginal sites.

"The Tarkine coastline was listed as a Cultural Heritage Landscape of National Significance because of its incredible Aboriginal history and yet it is being opened up for destruction.

"Brett Whiteley, the Member for Braddon, said that those who oppose the destruction of Aboriginal heritage in the Tarkine are 'fringe groups'.

Australian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said today that Environment Minister Mark Butler's decision on the proposed Venture Minerals open-cut mine in the Tarkine is a political ploy in a marginal electorate on the first day of a Federal election.

"Minister Butler was always going to make the decision he made today for the same political reasons Tony Burke shocked the country by ignoring the Australian Heritage Councils recommendations to protect the Tarkine earlier this year," said Senator Whish-Wilson.

Australian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said today that Environment Minister Mark Butler should be spending time in Tasmania talking to experts on the endangered species under threat by Tarkine mine proposals.

"The failure of Minister Butler's predecessor to fully consider official conservation advice on endangered species was the basis of the court decision against Shree's proposed mine at Nelson Bay River," said Senator Peter Whish-Wilson.

Australian Greens spokesperson for Tourism Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said yesterday’s Federal Court decision on the proposed Nelson Bay River mine was a win for the long-term prospects of the tourism industry in the northwest.

Senator Whish-Wilson is today participating in the Northwest Tourism Forum in Stanley where the attendees heard from a wide range of speakers including legendary naturalist Terri Irwin.

"Minister Burke's decision to abandon the Tarkine to the mining industry is not only a disgrace, but it's a crime against the environment." Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Christine Milne said.

"What possible justification can an environment minister have for abandoning the environment to the mining industry?

"No doubt Tony Abbott is cheering as he would go even further and not only mine the Tarkine but reject any end to logging.