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| Australia remains a global deforestation hotspot, with consistent and extensive clearing of old growth native forests for agriculture, urban development, and mining. Deforestation, particularly of native habitats, continuously contributes to greenhouse emissions, habitat loss and poses a threat to biodiversity. Australia needs to urgently cease native forest logging, and to ensure greater monitoring of current logging practices. | |
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Background: To date, Australia remains one of the most deforested countries. We are the only developed country on the global list of deforestation hotspots, despite claiming to have robust environmental laws. Forest environments in Australia are increasingly at risk because of more frequent extreme weather and anthropogenic events. Victoria and Western Australia have successfully applied their native forest logging cessation policies in 2024, setting a national precedent (although the process hasn’t been perfect). But the practice of logging native forests persists, particularly in Tasmania and New South Wales. Forest clearing also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, because trees store carbon which is released when cleared. Ongoing deforestation and forest degradation threatens Australia's ability to meet its climate targets. In the EU, deforestation regulations have been in force since 29 June 2023. Since the EU is a significant trading partner for Australia, the regulations will directly impact Australian exports, particularly agricultural and timber products. However, the Albanese government has taken steps that appear to undermine international efforts on forest protection rather than addressing rampant deforestation domestically. This includes failing to support this ambitious EU law, or providing adequate assistance to Australian industries in meeting the new obligations. If the government wants Australian exporters to remain competitive in the European market, it must act decisively to align with these standards. However, unlike other developed countries, Australia is still without an independent environmental protection agency, despite promises to update the EPBC Act during the Albanese government’s first term. There are no national environmental standards that apply to all sectors, and we still have no legal requirements to protect habitat standards that are critical to human survival. Why is this important?
Desired outcomes:
Who to Contact:
Further Reading: Some articles of interest are here, here, here, and here. There is another, relevant issue briefing on Post bushfire logging, land clearing and wildlife recovery. Resources:
1. Email your MP If you need some help getting started with your email, here is an example. Please don’t copy it exactly - personalise it and tailor it to the MP you are writing to. When writing to a Minister or Shadow Minister, state you’re writing to them in their role as Minister for xxxx, otherwise they will probably just forward your email to your local MP. |
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[MP name] [Member for …. or Minister for ….] Dear….. (personal first sentence - who you are and why you care) I am writing because I am alarmed at accelerating climate change, and the most recent State of the Environment report which indicates significant species extinctions and logging of Australia’s native forests is continuing at a frightening pace. While state governments have made some commitments, these aren't appropriately monitored and cessation of logging dates are wholly inadequate. With increasing extreme weather events, protection of native forests is ever more crucial. The 2019/2020 fires burned more than 12 million hectares across Australia and killed more than a billion native animals. Unfortunately, we have to prepare for more habitat destruction due to climate disaster, and therefore must do everything we can to protect the homes of our wildlife. Native forests (and particularly old growth trees) are also a major source of carbon storage and the logging industry is a significant carbon emitter. It is crucial that our remaining forests are protected, and this must occur now. Will you commit to:
I look forward to your response Sincerely Name Address Phone [required if you want a response] |
2. Call your MP or Minister's office
This is a way to respond instantly to an issue and only takes a couple of minutes.
Here is a suggested script to get you started:
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Hi, my name is ….. and I’m a voter in [your electorate]. I’d like to speak to …..[name of MP] (Staffer will probably say: I’m sorry they’re not available, can I take a message?) Yes, thank you! Would you please pass on my message and tell them I’m worried about…. [use 2-3 points from the briefing or email example] And ask them to …. [use 2-3 points from the briefing or email example] Thank you! |
3. Visit your MP
Nothing beats a face-to-face conversation. Email your MP’s electorate office to ask for a meeting and follow up with a phone call a few days later. Get help on how to do this under the Democracy and Governance heading on our Climate briefings webpage.
(last updated February 2025)
Science says:
| MAJOR IMPACTS ON AUSTRALIA |
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Australia is already experiencing climate change