The Invasive Species Council has welcomed today’s federal election commitments from the Australian Greens, applauding the party’s pledge to dramatically boost investment in nature and establish a Land and Sea Country Commissioner – an independent First Nations voice to guide environmental protection and management.
This included:
- $7.8 billion allocation to nature in 2025–26, with an additional $17 billion committed over the forward estimates.
- $20 billion over the next decade for biodiversity restoration and $5 billion over four years to expand and manage protected areas.
‘The scale of investment proposed by the Greens matches the seriousness of the threat to our wildlife and identity as Australians,’ Invasive Species Council Interim CEO Jack Gough said.
‘This is the kind of leadership we need if we’re to give Australia’s wildlife and precious places a fighting chance against the invasive species mega threat.
‘Now we need Prime Minister Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to do their bit to save Australia from invasive species by increasing their level of ambition and funding.
‘Our geographic isolation means we are home to species that occur nowhere else on earth, but this unique web of life is also very vulnerable to invaders like feral cats, fire ants or new fungal diseases like myrtle rust.
‘Over 80% of Australia’s mammal extinctions were caused by invasive species, and Australia’s commitment to ‘no new extinctions’ will be no more than a slogan without increased focus and funding to prevent the next wave of invasive species-driven extinctions.
‘If we are to genuinely protect and restore our native wildlife and ecosystems, then stopping the next wave of invasive species-driven extinctions must be a priority. That will take focus and serious new funding.
‘We hope that these priorities remain front and centre in any post-election negotiations the Greens may have.’
Invasive Species Council Indigenous Ambassador and Voice of Country campaign lead, Richard Swain welcomed the proposed appointment of a Land and Sea Country Commissioner and said it would be a profound and long-overdue shift in how we care for Country.
‘Invasive species are one of the biggest threats to Australia’s native animals and plants. They don’t just damage Country – they threaten culturally significant species, waterways and sacred places,’ he said.
‘This role would help ensure Indigenous voices and Country herself are heard in tackling these challenges.
‘We have a choice – the decade of healing Country, or the decade of watching more species disappear. Let’s make the right one.’
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