Pocock criticises government for failing the Pacific

Independent senator David Pocock says the Australian government is failing to listen to its “Pacific family” and must stop approving new fossil fuel projects that exacerbate “an existential threat for those nations” which is inconsistent with the depiction of Australia as part of the ‘Pacific family’.

The New South Wales environmental protection authority has known for more than a decade that producers of soil fill made from construction and demolition waste were failing to comply with rules to limit the spread of contaminants such as lead and asbestos into the community, according to an investigation from The Guardian.

Two protesters hurled pumpkin soup at the bullet-proof glass protecting Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa in Paris, demanding the right to "healthy and sustainable food". 

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Pocock says depiction of Australia as part of ‘Pacific family’ is inconsistent with issuing approvals for new coal and gas projects
The independent senator David Pocock says the Australian government is failing to listen to its “Pacific family” and must stop approving new fossil fuel projects that exacerbate “an existential threat for those nations”. The ACT senator has also described the “really sobering” experience of entering parliament and “seeing the influence of the fossil fuel industry” up close.

NSW EPA failed to act on asbestos contamination for over a decade
The New South Wales environmental protection authority has known for more than a decade that producers of soil fill made from construction and demolition waste were failing to comply with rules to limit the spread of contaminants such as lead and asbestos into the community, according to an investigation from The Guardian.

Climate change activists splash soup at Mona Lisa
Two protesters hurled pumpkin soup at the bullet-proof glass protecting Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa in Paris, demanding the right to "healthy and sustainable food". The action, which comes as French farmers protest across the country, is the latest in a string of similar attacks against artworks to demand more action to protect the planet.

Dead koalas found on Western Freeway after logging in Gordon
Multiple koalas were killed on the Western Freeway in Gordon after the logging of a nearby blue gum plantation. Wildlife advocates previously appealed to the Victorian state government to take precautions prior to logging, such as relocating the four koalas that were living in the forest. But the Victorian Conservation Regulator denied requests on the grounds relocation would cause significant stress to the animals.

Toyota is pushing hydrogen cars but will they ever be as cheap to run as EVs?
Toyota is betting on a take-off in coming years, and is pouring money into the development of hydrogen vehicles at a time when other established automotive companies are pledging to go all EV. Yet some analysts say hydrogen will never win this race.

Australian animals under record threat from climate, cars, and illegal pet-keeping
Native species are being harmed in record numbers according to Victoria's wildlife rescue service. Clipped wings, degloved paws and bullet wounds point to widespread abuse and illegal pet-keeping.

SA adjusts to new and growing colonies of megabats
With wingspans over a metre and an insatiable love for fruit and nectar, grey-headed flying foxes have settled in massive numbers across South Australia. Temperatures of around 38C can be fatal for megabats, especially the pups – which has been a major issue in recent years. But this year’s mild summer and good resources have seen the colony’s numbers surge, with successful breeding and no significant heat stress events.

A major problem on Perth’s fringe could see city haunted by ‘ghost suburbs’
Largely treeless residential housing estates on Perth’s urban fringe could be abandoned and transformed into “ghost suburbs” as climate change makes the city less hospitable, according to grim predictions.