National Threatened Species Day was recognised in Parliament with a visit from several wildlife organisations including from the Australian Reptile Park.

National Threatened Species Day raises awareness of plants and animals at risk of extinction.

In NSW, there are close to 1,000 animal and plant species at risk of extinction.

Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP, says it is important that we celebrate the amazing work of organisations like the Australian Reptile Park who are helping protect our fauna and flora.

“In Australia, there are more than half a million animal and plant species that are found nowhere else in the world”, Dr Reid said.

“Sadly, over the last 200 years, more than 100 of our animal and plant species have become extinct”.

“It is up to everyone to ensure that we do not let this figure grow any further”, Dr Reid said.

“The Albanese Labor Government has implemented several environmental policies to ensure we protect our fauna and flora, now and into the future”.

“For example, the Federal Government has already protected up to 40 million hectares of Australian bush and ocean since coming into power”, Dr Reid said.

“We are also investing $200 million to clean up urban rivers and waterways, which are home to almost 50% of our threatened species and 25% of our threatened plants”.

“And we are investing $1.2 billion to protect and restore the Great Barrier Reef”.

“There is more work to do, and we are getting on with protecting our Australian environment, animals, and plants”, Dr Reid said.

National Threatened Species Day occurs every year on September 7.

ENDS