MASSIVE NEWS!

MASSIVE NEWS! BARILARO'S BRUMBY BILL HAS BEEN SCRAPPED! Just before midnight last night, the Parliament of NSW voted to repeal the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Act, without amendment. The Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Repeal Bill 2025, first introduced by Wagga Wagga MP Dr Joe McGirr and supported in the Upper House by Legalise Cannabis MLC Jeremy Buckingham, passed with bipartisan and crossbench backing from Labor, Liberal, Greens and Independent MPs. The repeal marks a historic turning point for Kosciuszko’s fragile alpine landscapes and the native wildlife, like the southern corroboree frog and broad-toothed rat, pushed to the brink of extinction by feral horses. Snowy River guide, Reclaim Kosci co-founder and Invasive Species Council Indigenous Ambassador Richard Swain said: ‘Today, Country can breathe again. This is a victory for truth over mythology, and for those who have fought for generations to protect these high places and the life they hold. ‘For years, we’ve watched the alpine wetlands dry out, the snow-grass trampled, the frogs and fish vanish. To finally see our Parliament stand with Country and the people who have fought for it – that’s something to be proud of. It shows that courage and compassion can walk together.’ Invasive Species Council CEO Jack Gough said: ‘This is more than a victory for Kosciuszko. It’s a signal to every corner of the country that we can change course – that we can put truth, science and care for nature above politics and fear. ‘Barilaro’s law was a political stunt that placed a feral species above some of our most endangered wildlife. Repealing it restores balance and integrity to how we care for nature. ‘This win belongs to the community who have campaigned relentlessly for almost a decade to right this wrong and to a courageous group of cross-party MPs who put partisanship aside for the sake of our wildlife. ‘No one likes to see animals killed, but the sad reality is that we have a choice to make between urgently reducing the numbers of feral horses or accepting the destruction of sensitive alpine ecosystems and habitats, and the decline and extinction of native animals.’ NSW Minister for Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Heritage Penny Sharpe said: ‘This is a landmark decision by a cross-party group in the NSW Parliament that will protect our state’s only alpine national park. ‘I have visited Kosciuszko National Park and clearly seen that control of wild horses is enabling the natural ecosystem to bounce back. ‘This Bill will ensure that horses are treated the same way as other invasive species in NSW national parks. ‘My thanks go to those who have campaigned to protect our fragile alpine ecosystems.’ Independent MP for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr, whose electorate covers one third of Kosciuszko National Park, said: ‘Today the NSW Parliament has corrected a serious mistake. The Wild Horse Heritage Act put symbolism ahead of science and ideology ahead of evidence – and our most fragile alpine landscapes paid the price. ‘Repealing this law restores integrity to environmental decision-making in New South Wales. It puts the protection of endangered species, alpine wetlands and drinking-water catchments back where it belongs – in the hands of our professional national parks staff. Legalise Cannabis MLC Jeremy Buckingham said: ‘This repeal is a win for reason, for science and for the future of Kosciuszko. For too long, a feral animal was given special political protection while endangered native species were left to suffer the consequences. ‘Today, the Parliament chose evidence over mythology – and the environment over political convenience.’ Liberal Member for Albury Justin Clancy, whose electorate covers one third of Kosciuszko National Park, said: ‘This decision is about the kind of legacy we leave behind. Kosciuszko is a living, breathing landscape that demands active care. ‘Protecting it now means future generations will inherit a park defined by healthy rivers, thriving wildlife and resilient high country.’ Labor Member for Monaro Steve Whan, whose electorate covers one third of Kosciuszko National Park, said: ‘KNP is our region’s international icon, it was created to protect a unique and precious natural environment. It is an environmental and tourism gem. Having legislation to protect an introduced species - however 'iconic' – was a travesty.’ Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment Sue Higginson: ‘The legal retention of damaging invasive species in the Kosciuszko National Park was offensive to the majority of people in NSW, and thousands of our Members and supporters will be sighing with relief now that this repeal bill has passed. ‘Our precious and singular alpine protected area that is Kosci will finally be prioritised for the native species that can live nowhere else in the world. This is a win that we can all celebrate together, along with the precious broad-toothed rat and corroboree frog.’ Invasive Species Council Volunteer

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