“Koala war” breaks out in Australia - 21st September 2020

Infighting between factions of Australia's New South Wales coalition government has led to the outbreak of a 'koala war'.

The dispute stems from a government policy passed into law in December that seeks to ensure the continued survival of Australia's koalas through the protection of their habitats.

Recognised around the world, these iconic symbols of the land down under, sometimes inaccurately referred to as ‘koala-bears’, are tree-dwelling marsupials native to Australia. Known for carrying their young in pouches, koalas are a designated 'vulnerable' species. They make their homes in the eucalyptus forests in the east and south-east of the country, the loss of which poses the greatest threat to the animal's survival.

Over the scorching 2019-2020 summer, devastating bushfires ripped through Australia killing or injuring three billion animals nationwide, prompting an inquiry in June which recommended urgent measures be taken to avoid the koala's extinction.

The new law has redefined what constitutes the koala habitat by including more species of trees in its description. Furthermore, it has introduced requirements for landowners to assess the expected outcomes of any developments on koala populations. This has become a bone of contention for farmers troubled by the measures which could reduce the value of their land.

Supporting these farmers is the junior coalition government partner, the National Party led by Deputy Premier John Barilaro, who opposes the policy on the basis that it passes accountability onto property owners. However, the ruling coalition’s larger Liberal Party stresses that this policy is essential to the survival of the koala and has the backing of the general public. The National Party is now refusing to cooperate on the government’s legislative programme, which relegates the Liberal Party to minority government until a new accord can be reached.

Animal conservationists also have their reservations about the policy, as they believe the law does not go far enough to ensure the survival of the world's cuddliest Australian marsupial.