Lidia Thorpe (Victoria, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

First Peoples have sovereign rights and obligations to care for country, yet these continue to be violated by colonial governments, both Labor and coalition. When we care for country, country cares for us. That's what this colony still needs to learn. Country is in crisis. Our rivers are dying, totems are disappearing, our bushland is being destroyed and ecosystems are collapsing. Yet Labor keeps approving fossil fuel and mining projects. It is ecocide before our eyes.

Climate change is caused by humans. It's people like Minister Watt who are the problem when it comes to keeping our planet safe. Labor's new environment laws will decide what happens to country for generations, but right now Labor is promising faster approvals for big business while First Peoples are still being locked out of decision-making. First Peoples have not been properly consulted, and Labor does not have consent of the people to pass these laws. As Michael Ghillar Anderson said:

Protections for species and totems are giving way to mining and development, ignoring the need to protect First Nations culture and heritage, which includes medicines, bush tucker, fibres and timber.

We have to resist, or they will claim we acquiesced!

Protection of First Nations culture and heritage MUST be in the legislation.

Destroying Old Growth forest and habitat endangers our totems and spiritual beliefs.

If Labor actually cared about protecting country instead of being gammon, they would respect our right to free, prior and informed consent and close the loopholes that let big business destroy our lands, waters, climate and sacred sites. Anything less is just another colonial rubber stamp for destruction.