In light of the catastrophic loss of koalas and their habitats from recent bushfires across Victoria, the government must apply the precautionary principle. This requires an immediate halt to all culling under so-called “health check” regimes and the recognition of koalas as effectively endangered in Victoria until transparent, comprehensive data on population losses is available.

Poor coordination, delayed WESN deployment, inadequate public communication, and barriers placed in front of experienced rescue volunteers have resulted in unnecessary suffering and preventable deaths. This failure to meet even the most basic needs of wildlife during a crisis is unacceptable and will not be forgotten by the Victorian public.

In the Otways alone, where more than 12,000 hectares of bushland have burned, endangered species such as koalas and the long-nosed potoroo have died or are starving.

Yet WESN teams have still not been deployed, and no specialist wildlife rescue or rehabilitation teams are operating in this region.

 Halt further culling or euthanasia of animals that can be rehabilitated

 Release accurate data and reports without delay

 Commit to transparency and scientific integrity

 Implement a genuine, adequately resourced wildlife recovery plan

The survival of Victoria’s koalas—and the integrity of the government’s environmental stewardship depend on it.