WILDLIFE CHARITIES WELCOME GREENS’ $20 MILLION FUNDING PLEDGE

Veterinary Nurse Chelsea Herbert and Dr Chantal Whitten carry out a medical examination on an injured Gould’s long-eared bat at Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital. (Image: Peter Frare)

Wildlife Recovery Australia and Wildlife Victoria have welcomed a call by Greens spokesperson for the Environment Sarah Hanson-Young for federal investment of $20 million a year into a National Wildlife Rescue Strategy.

The announcement follows the two charities joint launch of the “I Vote for Wildlife” campaign calling for the Australian government to commit to establishing a national framework for wildlife rescue, veterinary and rehabilitation services.

Wildlife Victoria CEO Lisa Palma said, “The announcement from Senator Hanson-Young is a crucial first step in making wildlife a priority for the federal government. The current system for wildlife rescue, treatment and rehabilitation is unsustainable, and a federal framework will ensure the long-term welfare of Australian wildlife and the sector that works tirelessly for our native species.”

Wildlife Recovery Australia CEO Dr Stephen Van Mil also welcomed the announcement by Senator Hanson-Young.

“This announcement recognises the critical need for a proper framework and recurrent operational funding for Australian wildlife rescue, medical treatment and rehabilitation. These services are almost entirely reliant on charities like ours, volunteers, philanthropy, donations and veterinarians and nurses giving their professional services away.”

A national, legislative framework providing regular and guaranteed funding for critical wildlife services would support emergency wildlife responders, rescue operations, veterinary and rehabilitation services by experts in the physiology and anatomy of native animals.

The two independent charities are encouraging Australians to “Vote for Wildlife” by talking to their local Member of Parliament and participating in a national social media campaign.

“Native animals don’t have a voice, so we seek to give them one,” added Ms Palma.

“We urge all Australian political parties to support a national wildlife rescue and rehabilitation strategy, including recurrent, operational funding for those doing this critical work with no recompense.”