FIFTY protestors gathered outside federal Perth MP Patrick Gorman’s electorate office on Wednesday calling for stronger environmental laws – only to find his office closed.
The protesters say Mr Gorman had been invited to a community forum about new federal environmental law reforms, but when he didn’t respond they decided to bring the event to him.
The Wilderness Society’s Jenita Enevoldsen said it was disappointing to find the office closed when his staff had been advised of the event.
“It’s disappointing that an elected representative has refused to meet with the people he has been elected to represent, particularly on the subject of community participation in our federal environment laws,” Ms Enevoldsen said.
“This is a clear example of why community participation is so important.
“Today we had 50 people turn up, ready and willing to have a conversation around progressing critical nature protection.
“Meanwhile, the member for Perth was nowhere to be seen – but there were plenty of police in his place.
Impacts
Ms Enevoldsen said the protestors want “unacceptable impacts” to be defined in the new nature law reform bills, strong national standards and climate change and deforestation to be addressed in the federal Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to end deforestation, halt extinctions and ensure that communities have a fair say in environmental decision-making,” Ms Enevoldsen said.
Perth Voice Interactive 
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