![\"Anne](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Anne_Davies,_L.png\")
Anne Davies<\/p>\nInvasive Species Council welcomes removal of feral horses from Kosciuszko national parkAnne Davies<\/p>\n
The Invasive Species Council\u2019s chief executive, Jack Gough<\/strong>, said the removal of feral horses from Kosciuszko national park was a proof that \u201cwe can put truth, science and care for nature above politics and fear\u201d:<\/p>\n No one likes to see animals killed, but the sad reality is that we have a choice to make between urgently reducing the numbers of feral horses or accepting the destruction of sensitive alpine ecosystems and habitats, and the decline and extinction of native animals.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The independent MP for Wagga Wagga, Joe McGirr,<\/strong> whose electorate covers one-third of Kosciuszko national park, said:<\/p>\n Today the NSW parliament has corrected a serious mistake. The Wild Horse Heritage Act put symbolism ahead of science and ideology ahead of evidence \u2013 and our most fragile alpine landscapes paid the price.<\/p>\n Repealing this law restores integrity to environmental decision-making in New South Wales. It puts the protection of endangered species, alpine wetlands and drinking-water catchments back where it belongs \u2013 in the hands of our professional national parks staff.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a020.28 EST<\/p>\n Key events<\/p>\n Show key events only<\/p>\n Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature<\/p>\n Watt blasts critics of nature laws <\/strong><\/p>\n The environment minister, Murray Watt<\/strong>, has fired back at state premiers after they criticised the new federal nature laws as \u201cdisastrous\u201d and a threat to jobs.<\/p>\n The Albanese government\u2019s deal with the Greens to re-write the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation<\/a> (EBPC) Act provoked an angry response from Liberal premiers in Tasmania and Queensland, who claimed it would damage their state\u2019s forestry and mining industries respectively.<\/p>\n Under a concession to win the Greens\u2019 support, the government agreed to subject native forest logging to national environment standards in 18-months\u2019 time \u2013 effectively removing a long-running and contentious exemption for the industry.<\/p>\n Murray Watt. Photograph: Lukas Coch\/AAP<\/p>\n The government announced a $300m to support the forestry industry although details of the package have yet to be thrashed out.<\/p>\n In a statement <\/a>on Thursday, the Tasmanian premier, Jeremy Rockliff<\/strong>, claimed the deal would \u201cput jobs in regional Tasmania at great risk\u201d and said the support package was \u201cwoefully inadequate\u201d.<\/p>\n At a press conference after the bill passed parliament on Friday morning, Watt accused the Tasmanian government of peddling \u201cmyths and lies\u201d about the implications of the changes for the state\u2019s forestry industry.<\/p>\n He said:<\/p>\n I\u2019m not at all surprised that we see a Coalition government in Tasmania that has spent the last 20 or 30 years running culture wars around forestry, getting back to their old tricks.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The Queensland LNP premier, David Crisafulli<\/strong>, was also highly critical of the Labor-Greens deal, describing it as \u201cdisastrous with a capital-D\u201d<\/a>.<\/p>\n In response, Watt said:<\/p>\n I think that the sorts of statements that are coming out of the Queensland Government are wildly exaggerated.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Mark Dreyfus appointed special envoy on international human rights<\/strong><\/p>\n Former attorney general Mark Dreyfus<\/strong> has been appointed Australia\u2019s new special envoy on international human rights.<\/p>\n Dreyfus lost his position as attorney general in a cabinet reshuffle shortly after the May election<\/a> as Labor party factions battled for frontbench positions.<\/p>\n In a joint statement, Anthony Albanese<\/strong> and Penny Wong<\/strong> said Dreyfus would undertake this new role in addition to his existing work as a backbench MP:<\/p>\n Dreyfus will renew Australia\u2019s tradition as a global champion for human rights \u2013 a role we have played since we were an original signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.<\/p>\n In particular, Mr Dreyfus will take a special advocacy role for the abolition of the death penalty, as well as for the rights and protections of children, older persons, people living with a disability and LGBTIQ+ individuals \u2013 all issues on which Australia has a long record of international leadership.<\/p>\n His high standing as a parliamentarian means he can work effectively with other parliamentary representatives in our region leading their countries\u2019 human rights agendas.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Former attorney general Mark Dreyfus. Photograph: Lukas Coch\/AAPShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a020.26 EST<\/p>\n Invasive Species Council welcomes removal of feral horses from Kosciuszko national park The Invasive Species Council\u2019s chief executive, Jack Gough<\/strong>, said the removal of feral horses from Kosciuszko national park was a proof that \u201cwe can put truth, science and care for nature above politics and fear\u201d:<\/p>\n No one likes to see animals killed, but the sad reality is that we have a choice to make between urgently reducing the numbers of feral horses or accepting the destruction of sensitive alpine ecosystems and habitats, and the decline and extinction of native animals.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The independent MP for Wagga Wagga, Joe McGirr,<\/strong> whose electorate covers one-third of Kosciuszko national park, said:<\/p>\n Today the NSW parliament has corrected a serious mistake. The Wild Horse Heritage Act put symbolism ahead of science and ideology ahead of evidence \u2013 and our most fragile alpine landscapes paid the price.<\/p>\n Repealing this law restores integrity to environmental decision-making in New South Wales. It puts the protection of endangered species, alpine wetlands and drinking-water catchments back where it belongs \u2013 in the hands of our professional national parks staff.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a020.28 EST<\/p>\n Environmental groups say removal of brumbies from Kosciuszko national park a turning point for conservation<\/strong><\/p>\n Environmental groups are celebrating a hard-fought win to remove feral horses from Kosciuszko national park, saying it marks a turning point for fragile alpine landscapes and the native wildlife, such as the southern corroboree frog and broad-toothed rat.<\/p>\n The Kosciuszko wild horse heritage repeal bill 2025, first introduced by the Wagga Wagga MP, Dr Joe McGirr,<\/strong> and supported in the upper house by Legalise Cannabis MLC Jeremy Buckingham<\/strong>, passed with bipartisan and crossbench backing from Labor, Liberal, Greens, Legalise Cannabis and independent MPs.<\/p>\n It was opposed by the NSW Nationals, which saw the Coalition<\/a> again split over a controversial policy issue.<\/p>\n At a press conference a few moments ago Snowy River guide, Reclaim Kosci co-founder and Invasive Species Council Indigenous ambassador Richard Swain<\/strong> said:<\/p>\n Today, Country can breathe again. This is a victory for truth over mythology, and for those who have fought for generations to protect these high places and the life they hold.<\/p>\n For years, we\u2019ve watched the alpine wetlands dry out, the snow-grass trampled, the frogs and fish vanish. To finally see our parliament stand with Country and the people who have fought for it \u2013 that\u2019s something to be proud of. It shows that courage and compassion can walk together.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a020.08 EST<\/p>\n Australian Iranian community welcomes listing of IRGC as state sponsor of terrorism<\/strong><\/p>\n The Australian Iranian Community Organisation has written to the prime minister, Anthony Albanese,<\/strong> praising a decision to list Iran\u2019s Revolutionary Guard Corps as a state sponsor of terrorism<\/a>.<\/p>\n The listing was formalised on Thursday after the domestic intelligence agency Asio found the IRGC had orchestrated attacks against the Australian Jewish community in late 2024.<\/p>\n Siamak Ghahreman<\/strong>, the president of the Australian Iranian Community Organisation, said he\u2019d welcome \u201cstrong enforcement action against intimidation, coercion and foreign directed violence\u201d:<\/p>\n For many Australians of Iranian background, this decision is also deeply personal. Our community includes refugees, former political prisoners, human rights defenders, and families who have directly experienced harm and intimidation linked to the IRGC.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n For years, AICO and many community members have consistently called on successive Australian governments to use all available legal mechanisms to formally designate and restrict the IRGC.<\/p>\n [This] decision meaningfully reflects those long-standing concerns and advocacy.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a019.52 EST<\/p>\n Monash IVF to face new conditions from Victoria<\/a> health department after bungled embryo implants<\/strong><\/p>\n Victoria\u2019s Department of Health<\/a> has imposed conditions on Monash IVF\u2019s <\/strong>registrations in the state, effective today, after a series of bungled embryo implants.<\/p>\n The company said today it had already implemented process changes required by the health department, including actions and obligations related to the confirmation of the intended biological sources for each cycle; requirements to Monash IVF\u2019s patient management system; changes to record keeping; and staff education and training. The changes also include periodic auditing and reporting to health officials.<\/p>\n Monash IVF\u2019s board of directors said in a brief release this morning:<\/p>\n The Company will continue to prioritise the care and safety of its patients and will keep ASX informed of any material developments in accordance with its disclosure obligations.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Photograph: James Ross\/AAPShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a019.28 EST<\/p>\n How Instagram\u2019s age assurance fares<\/strong><\/p>\n As part of my reporting on what the platforms show to various age demographics<\/a>, I\u2019ve had a phone set up with dummy social media accounts.<\/p>\n I set up one on Instagram recently for someone under 16 to see what would happen when the under-16s social media ban came into effect.<\/p>\n A notification popped up today stating \u201cdue to laws in Australia, soon you won\u2019t be able to use social media until you\u2019ve turned 16\u201d.<\/p>\n Screenshot from Josh Taylor who set up a phone with dummy social media accounts. Photograph: Instagram\/Meta<\/p>\n I was then given two options: to go through downloading my data and prepare for my account to be deactivated, or review the age on the account and take a video selfie to prove I\u2019m over 16.<\/p>\n I chose the latter, and the app accessed my front-facing camera, and made me move my head from side to side, similar to how one might set up face-unlock on their phone.<\/p>\n Photograph: Instagram\/Meta<\/p>\n I was then presented with a notification stating it would likely take between one and two minutes but could take 48 hours. But shortly after I received a notification that I was in the clear.<\/p>\n Obviously the age-assurance trial data shows<\/a> that people closer to the age of 16, as well as minority groups, may have more difficulty in this technology getting it right, and given I am an adult with a moustache it was fairly seamless and quick.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a019.11 EST<\/p>\n Watt cheers changes to nature laws, calling it a \u2018great day\u2019 for environment and industry<\/strong><\/p>\n Murray Watt, <\/strong>the environment minister, is speaking in Canberra about changes to the country\u2019s nature laws.<\/p>\n He described the effort as a \u201cbalanced package of reforms\u201d that would deliver \u201creal wins for the environment and real wins for the business community\u201d.<\/p>\n Watt said:<\/p>\n As a result of these laws being passed, Australia\u2019s natural environment will be better protected for generations to come \u2026<\/p>\n This is a great day for Australia\u2019s environment. This is a great day for getting the housing, renewables and critical minerals we need and I\u2019m really looking forward to getting on and implementing them now.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Environment minister Murray Watt sits beside Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young (middle) who speaks to the Greens member for Ryan, Elizabeth Watson-Brown, during debate of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act in the House of Representatives on Friday. Photograph: Lukas Coch\/AAPShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a018.57 EST<\/p>\n Environmental groups to speak about brumby protections later this morning<\/strong><\/p>\n The NSW parliament has finally repealed laws which limited culling of wild horses in Kosciusko national park and environmental groups will be talking at 11am about what it means.<\/p>\n The Heritage Horses Act was introduced by former Nationals leader John Barilaro<\/strong> after businesses involved in tourism in the region campaigned to protect brumbies from aerial shooting by national park officers. Brumbies were given special \u201cheritage status\u201d based on their role in early settler history as recorded in the poetry of Banjo Patterson<\/strong>.<\/p>\n But the ban on culling brought an explosion in the number of horses. In 2023, populations were estimated at 17,000, before a new program of aerial culling reduced the population to about 3,000.<\/p>\n The repeal of the bill will mean that horses can be reduced further.<\/p>\n Animal Justice party MP Emma Hurst<\/strong> and the Nationals attempted to amend the bill to protect smaller herds and opposed the end of the heritage bill.<\/p>\n The repeal was passed by the Liberals, the government and the Greens.<\/p>\n More to come.<\/p>\n A brumby in Kosciuszko national park. Photograph: Mike Bowers\/The GuardianShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a018.40 EST<\/p>\n Australian diet set to worsen as national food policy is drawn up by profit-driven industry, experts warn<\/strong><\/p>\n Cheap and unhealthy foods are set to become further entrenched in the Australian diet, according to health experts, who warn the federal government is developing a national food policy with heavy influence from profit-driven food and agriculture industries.<\/p>\n Dr Matt Fisher<\/strong> from the University of Adelaide\u2019s Stretton Institute\u2019s health equity department said the policy could \u201ccompromise crucial public health considerations\u201d.<\/p>\n Photograph: Joe Raedle\/Getty Images<\/p>\n On Friday, the government announced the appointment of a National Food Council<\/strong>, which is dominated by representatives from the farming, agriculture and food production industries.<\/p>\n The council will advise the National Food Security Strategy (Feeding Australia) on identifying food production priorities, creating resilient food supply chains, managing climate-related disruptions and ensuring food is affordable.<\/p>\n Read more here:<\/p>\n Share<\/a> Ley condemns Labor-Greens deal as \u2018economy wrecking\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n Just before the final vote, the opposition leader, Sussan Ley<\/strong>, decried that the \u201cLabor-Greens alliance is back in business\u201d after the two parties struck a deal to pass the nature laws.<\/p>\n The government was negotiating with the Coalition<\/a> as late as Wednesday but said a deal between the major parties \u2013 which industry was calling for \u2013 ultimately wasn\u2019t possible because Ley\u2019s team couldn\u2019t settle on what it wanted.<\/p>\n In a fiery speech on Friday, which prompted rowdy cheers from her Coalition colleagues, Ley said the Labor-Greens deal was \u201ceconomy wrecking\u201d.<\/p>\n We\u2019re here not for lazy deals with the Greens. We\u2019re here for the people of Australia. We\u2019re here for the people we care about.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Sussan Ley during question time on Thursday. Photograph: Lukas Coch\/AAPShare<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a018.12 EST<\/p>\n Nature protection laws pass parliament And there you have it, the government\u2019s overhaul of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation<\/a> (EPBC) Act has officially passed the parliament.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a018.00 EST<\/p>\n PM heralds Labor-Greens \u2018Yes-olition\u2019, with nature laws poised to officially pass parliament<\/strong><\/p>\n A very relaxed looking prime minister, Anthony Albanese<\/strong>, heralded a \u201cgood day for the environment\u201d as he strolled into Parliament House for a special Friday morning sitting to officially pass Labor\u2019s nature laws.<\/p>\n Anthony Albanese walks to his office at Parliament House in Canberra on Friday. Photograph: Lukas Coch\/AAP<\/p>\n The legislation cleared the Senate late on Thursday with changes following a deal between Labor and the Greens, meaning it had to return to the House of Representatives before it could be enshrined in law.<\/p>\n Inside the chamber, Albanese said:<\/p>\n These reforms are a win for business, a win for our natural environment and a win for the country. They mean more investment, more jobs, more housing and more infrastructure and they protect something that every Australian values and has a deep connection to \u2013 our treasured and unique natural environment.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Albanese lambasted the Coalition<\/a> for failing to land a deal despite the wishes of industry, accusing it of changing its position \u201cfrom hour to hour\u201d during negotiations.<\/p>\n In contrast, he praised the Greens for not allowing the \u201cperfect be the enemy of the good\u201d \u2013 a criticism he often makes of his longtime political rivals.<\/p>\n This was a Yes-olition!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n For some context, Albanese loves to describe the Greens and Coalition as the \u201cNo-alition\u201d when they team up to oppose Labor\u2019s legislation.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a017.53 EST<\/p>\n Hundreds moving back into once-vacant public housing towers in Sydney<\/strong><\/p>\n Hundreds of residents are beginning to move back into public housing units in the Sydney suburb of Telopea after the Minns government began refurbishment works earlier this year.<\/p>\n About 240 people will soon live in the three towers, known as the \u201cThree Sisters\u201d, which were vacant and set for demolition<\/a> under the previous Liberal government. The towers were empty for almost a decade amid a growing housing crisis in the state.<\/p>\n The refurbishment includes renovated kitchens and bathrooms, new flooring and painting, security systems and new community spaces for residents.<\/p>\n The NSW housing minister, Rose Jackson<\/strong>, said:<\/p>\n We\u2019re getting on with the job of delivering homes people can move into today, while laying the foundations for long-term renewal that will transform Telopea into a thriving community.<\/p>\n The former government signed a dud deal and left these towers empty for years during a housing crisis \u2013 locals started calling Telopea a ghost suburb because the Wade Street Towers were left vacant for so long.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n NSW is also set to begin another project encompassing 423 new homes across the road.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a017.40 EST<\/p>\n Laws protecting brumbies in NSW national park axed<\/p>\n Controversial laws that gave a wild horse population heritage protections in a famed alpine park are a thing of the past, AAP reports.<\/p>\n A late-night parliamentary sitting repealed laws introduced by the NSW Nationals in 2018, which protected the \u201cheritage value\u201d of the brumby population within the Kosciuszko national park<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Advocates have long argued the protection has helped destroy the park and preference the brumbies over native species.<\/p>\n Brumbies above Kiandra in the Kosciuszko national park. Photograph: Mike Bowers\/The Guardian<\/p>\n The repeal bill finally passed NSW parliament\u2019s upper house nearing midnight on Thursday with backing from Labor, the Liberals and crossbench members, although the Nationals maintained their opposition.<\/p>\n Park operators have a mandated target of 3,000 feral horses over nearly one-third of the park by mid-2027, with a controversial cull putting latest estimates at between 1,579 and 5,639 brumbies.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a017.51 EST<\/p>\n What\u2019s changing in Australia\u2019s nature laws?<\/strong><\/p>\n Carrying on from Murray Watt\u2019s<\/strong> and Sarah Hanson-Young\u2019s<\/strong> comments this morning about environmental laws \u2026<\/p>\n My colleague Lisa Cox<\/strong> has a rundown of the seven major changes to Australia\u2019s nature laws after their deal with the Greens. They include national environmental standards, ministerial discretion and the closure of logging exemptions.<\/p>\n Read more here:<\/p>\n\n
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Dan Jervis-Bardy<\/p>\n\n
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Anne Davies<\/p>\n\n
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Josh Taylor<\/p>\n\n
Anne Davies<\/p>\n![\"Melissa](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Melissa_Davey2.png\")
Melissa Davey<\/p>\nDan Jervis-Bardy<\/p>\n\n
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