I am very concerned that…

I am very concerned that proposed "business first" changes to the Endangered Species Act is totally biased in favour of business and commercial interests. To assume that business will put the needs of the environment ahead of its own economic interests is totally unrealistic. Asking builders to contribute to a fund to help the environment after they have done permanent damage, which results in the loss of many vulnerable species is both naive and foolish. Giving wide discretionary powers to the Minister opens the door to all sorts of "political considerations" when making decisions. Without firm guidelines to protect vulnerable species economic development will just run roughshod over our environment and lead to further destruction of our natural world.