A meeting with Lisa Chesters, federal MP for our electorate with members of Central Vic ACF
These are notes used as talking points at the meeting:
"We have to act quickly to arrest the decline in the numbers of our native wildlife. It’s urgent. We have no guarantee that the state governments will do this. In fact, recently, we have heard news from NSW, Queensland and other states that governments of both persuasions do not care about their native forests. They are too keen to support wealthy private companies and powerful unions, and they are even subsidising these groups to prop up a failing industry. We need a federal government to have the courage to override the states and ban all logging in native forests.
This article, "Beretta Parks" by Sarah Rees (Monthly, Aug 2-8, 2025) shows the State Minister for the Environment promising members of the ETU and other men that he will renege on the pledge to Victorians to protect the forests. These forests were meant to become national parks by this year. With the state election next year, it could easily be the case that the Liberals get in and things could be even worse.
In your electorate, Lisa, Wellsford Forest’s future is under threat. As you probably know, there are some precious pre-European trees there which have been assessed as being of “state significance”. Of course, you know too, that there is one of the last remaining populations of Swift parrots. We fear that the reckless plan of Steve Dimopolous will put all of this at risk. In similar situations around the country, the habitat of other animals is being destroyed. We need federal politicians to act now.
I know you will say that you’ve done a lot. You’ve increased funding to care for national parks in the NT, you’ve supported indigenous ranger programs, you’ve invested in the eradication of feral animals. All of these achievements are great but more needs to be done to conserve the small patches of forest we have left. Federal Labor has a once in a lifetime chance to do something, to leave a legacy to our children and grand-children, to leave them a wonderful inheritance. You have the largest majority in parliament that you’ve had for years. Everyone has put their trust in you. We expect you to act. Please don’t let us down."
Would you like to get involved in this campaign?
As a group we can achieve much more!
There are many things we can do:
visit the state forests to learn more about the endangered species of animals and plants
get in touch with ALP and Greens members to put pressure on state and federal politicians
write letters to members of Parliament - state and federal
target marginal seats for the upcoming state elections
get in touch with environmental activists and organisers to offer help