[Greens-Media] Christmas Island resignations

[Ludlam, Scott (Sen R. Siewert)]

Christmas Island resignations 
Saturday 14 April 2007


The Chair of the Christmas Island Crazy Ant Steering Committee has
resigned, along with other independent members of the steering
committee, citing the Federal Government's 'lack of commitment to long
term funding of the crazy ant management programme.'

Senator Siewert has obtained a copy of the damning resignation letter to
the Director of Parks Australia. 

"I'm deeply concerned about the future of the programme and more
importantly the ecology of Christmas Island" said Senator Siewert.

 "This is a shocking example of how to run a successful conservation
initiative into the ground," Senator Siewert said. "The invasive crazy
ants were threatening the island's unique red crab population with
extinction only a few years ago. However a concentrated effort and
successful management strategies has started to be successful in
controlling the ants. Now it appears the Government has dropped the ball
in spectacular fashion."

"The Greens have been reassured in Senate estimates a number of times
that the programme was on track and everything was ok. Obviously this is
not the case."

"The Government should redirect some of the $360 million going into the
detention camp on Christmas Island and get serious about supporting the
conservation programme," concluded Senator Siewert.


For more information or comment call Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025
Email senator.siewert at aph.gov.au  |  http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au