Ecologists Kicked Out at Kate Chaney's Curtin 'Sustainability' Fair

On Saturday, 2 November, SPA attendees at the "Curtin Sustainability Fair," sponsored by Teal politician Kate Chaney in Perth, faced an unexpected disruption. Their aim was to raise awareness about the ecological impacts of population growth. However, their efforts were met with unexpected resistance. A staffer from Chaney's office instructed them to remove their signs and lectured them on the so-called skills shortage, raising questions about the politician’s commitment to environmental issues.

This incident has sparked concerns among observers who wonder if it reflects a growing hysteria surrounding immigration and the Australian property industry's immense influence on state and federal policy. This influence has led to aggressive plans for constructing multiple "activity centres," often at the expense of local government and residents' rights, as public opposition to such developments is huge, when they understand what is happening.

The rationale presented for these actions—a rapidly growing population necessitating high-rise housing—has been criticized as alarmingly disingenuous. In reality, only 0.5% of Australia’s population growth is endogenous, while the remaining 2% results from mass overseas immigration. Alarmingly, the Australian public has neither consented to nor been consulted about these changes.

Chaney’s dismissal of ecological discussions regarding population growth raises further concerns. Is this a sign of an ominous crackdown on environmental dialogue? As the community grapples with these issues, the need for transparency and accountability in policy-making becomes ever more critical.