Politicians in marginal seats weren’t the only threatened species in parliament.
Tasmanian devils, eastern quolls, red-tailed black cockatoos and other animals facing extinction took the political capital by storm on Wednesday.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus was spotted petting a shingleback as a woma python slithered up the arm of Assistant Competition Minister Andrew Leigh.
Baby Tasmanian devil Pebbles fought the urge to nap as various politicians – including Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek – lined up to give her a cuddle.
A pair of young eastern quolls nestled together while they were passed between welcoming hands.
“I am committed to protecting the precious habitat of Australia’s threatened plants, animals and ecosystems for future generations,” Ms Plibersek said.
“As well as aiming to protect more land and sea, we need to better look after the places we are protecting.”
Another 20 species were added to Australia’s list of threatened plants and animal list in early September.
Most of the additions were native plants, but two lizards, a sea snake, a crayfish and an entire ecological community have been included.
Since Ms Plibersek became minister a little over two years ago, 189 new species have been added to the federal in-danger list.
Thirty-nine species already listed under federal laws have been shifted into higher categories of concern.
The government has committed $224.5 million to support the recovery of plants, animals and ecological communities.
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