House debates Questions without Notice

Avian Influenza

Wednesday, 12 August 2026 House of Representatives

Nicolette Boele

Nicolette Boele Bradfield, Independent

2:10 pm

My question is to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. We know that Australia's species extinction crisis is due to habitat destruction, invasive species and runaway climate change. Now, one in five Australian bird and mammal species is at high risk from H5 bird flu, including seabirds, black swans and seals. Conservation scientists are calling for $200 million over two years to build the resilience of these critical species. Will the government commit that funding to give our wildlife populations the best chance of recovery?