All Federal Candidates who won a seat in the 2013 Federal Election have now been assessed after being asked the simple question “Will you support the enactment of a Koala Protection Bill”. Most of the members have taken their party line and the answer is ‘no’.
A Yes, and they receive a ‘Claw’ 
or [if not,] an ‘Axe’
. At least one elected member will be asked to table a Koala Protection Bill but the AKF will only table the Bill when we are sure ‘we have the numbers’ to support it’s passing in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
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Areyou prepared to support the listing of the koala as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act? Minister Garrett is currently reviewing the koala’s status and it is on record that a decision will be made by 30th September 2010. |
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Wouldyou support Koala friendly housing estates, road building and forestry management in your electorate? |
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Willyou act to save the remaining native vegetation in your electorate? |
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Doyou support the shires in your electorate protecting koala habitat through management plans and protection policy? |
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Doyou value the significance of koalas as a native icon? |
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These questions are still relevant except Question 1, because the Koala is now listed as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act. Labor (Democrat) Minister Tony Burke did so on May 31st, 2012 and since then the AKF has grave fears that there is to be a relaxation of the guidelines for the protection of Koala habitat. Many fear a new conservative Government (Liberal (Republican)) may diminish the environmental laws even further.
