Senator Eric Abetz

“The gratuitous insults by ‘fledgling’ Minister Brian Wightman won’t bring back the thousands of birds killed by his and his predecessors’ administrative incompetence,” Senator Abetz said.

“To claim that the killing of over 2000 birds is ‘an environmental benefit” speaks volumes for Labor’s capacity to spin.”

“But the death of 2000 birds is an unmitigated environmental disaster and also speaks volumes about Labor’s administrative incapacities,” Senator Abetz said.

“To contextualise: The unfolding environmental disaster with the grounding of a container ship in New Zealand has seen the death of 1000 birds, just half the number lost on Macquarie Island.”

“This environmental disaster comes on top of the poorly planned program.”

“Everyone supports sound environmental initiatives such as removing feral animals from Macquarie Island.”

“The issue is the bungling of the initiative, which saw the unnecessary slaughter of over 2000 birds.”

“To not recognise the shortcomings is astounding.”

“To try to sell this bungling as a success is a flight of fancy,” Senator Abetz said.