Thursday, 31 July 2025

 Melina BATH (Eastern Victoria) (09:56): The parliamentary internship program presented me with a remarkable intern, Anastasia Scarpaci. Her first-class honours report into the biodiversity in the national parks estate is independent and comprehensive and highlights Victoria’s critical environmental challenges. It affirms what Victorians have often spoken to me about – that biodiversity in our national parks is declining due to underfunding, poor monitoring, a shrinking ranger workforce and difficulty retaining volunteers. Anastasia also identified serious concerns around fire preparedness and invasive species such as feral cats, foxes and weeds that are damaging our natural environment. These are practical issues requiring action. Her outstanding work shows the value of our internship program and the power of evidence-based policy.