“Protecting our environment is not just about preserving nature for its own sake—it’s about safeguarding our health, our economy, and our way of life for future generations. Planetary health equals human health.”
I am committed to working with the community, experts, and all levels of government to deliver real action on the environment. I am deeply concerned about the alarming rates of deforestation and I understand the urgent need to protect our unique wildlife and natural places.
If elected, I will vigorously advocate for:
- Stronger Nature Laws: I support the introduction of robust new environmental legislation to protect Australia’s unique wildlife, forests, oceans, and wetlands. Our current laws are simply not strong enough to prevent the ongoing loss of biodiversity.
- A National Action Plan to End Deforestation by 2030: I will push for a clear, enforceable national plan to halt deforestation and to stem the tide of habitat loss and species extinction in line with international best practice and the expectations of the vast majority of Australians.
- Safeguarding ocean ecosystems: I am committed to ensuring that Australia’s unique marine environments are preserved through sustainable practices and conservation efforts. In addition, greater funding for protecting and restoring marine environments is vital to reversing damage caused by pollution, development, and climate impacts.
- Combating Invasive Species: Taking action against invasive predators, insects, marine life and weeds is crucial to protecting Australia’s unique fauna and flora.
- Accountability for Big Business: I believe that corporations must be held accountable for environmental destruction. This includes greater transparency, enforcement of existing laws, and meaningful penalties for breaches.
- Support for Farmers: I recognise the vital role that farmers play in both food production and environmental stewardship. I will advocate for policies and incentives that help farmers protect and restore nature on their land, ensuring that conservation and agriculture can work hand in hand.
- Murray-Darling Basin: With the current Murray-Darling Basin Plan nearing its end, I will strive to achieve increased river flow and better management in line with expert scientific advice, to ensure the health of the river system for generations to come.
- Stopping plastic packaging waste: I support holding producers accountable for their waste through policies such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes and mandatory reduction and reuse targets. Phasing out unnecessary packaging, fast-tracking soft plastics collection services, and introducing reusable systems are exactly the kind of measures that should be debated in Parliament. I will advocate for a circular economy approach that prioritizes prevention, reduction, and reuse over disposal and I will push for stronger accountability measures for producers to reduce plastic waste at its source.