We are looking at our state government imploding, tearing itself asunder because of...
KOALAS!
The government passed legislation last year that means that large landholders (farms and mines etc) need to do an expanded assessment regarding koala habitat before land clearing. Koalas are an endangered species and were massively impacted by the fires late last year and early this year.
The government is a coalition of a conservative party (The Liberals) and a party which claims to be 'the farmers party' (The Nationals) but really represents mining and forestry industries.
Although the Nationals voted for this bill, they are now saying it must be repealed or they will leave the coalition, triggering a crisis in parliament.
Put bluntly, they want to give big agribusinesses and mining companies the right to exterminate koalas and their habitat.
Why on earth would you a) want that and b) stake your political future on such a move?
You know we're talking about these guys:
and
It's like the Florida Governor saying manatees damage propellers so should be exterminated...
.
