Tasmanian doctors join fight to end logging, 250 medical experts signing petition to Premier

Hundreds of Tasmanian doctors have appealed to Minister for Climate Change and Premier Peter Gutwein to end native logging in Tasmania for the sake of the environment, and better health. READ THE FULL LETTER >>

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HUNDREDS of medical experts are lobbying the state government to stop climate change by ending native forest logging in Tasmania.

The open letter, signed by 250 doctors and medical students is addressed to Premier and Minister for Climate Change Peter Gutwein.

The letter states that climate change is caused by carbon emissions, and is a health emergency, which eight medical colleges and the Australian Medical Association have backed.

READ THE LETTER HERE >>

Doctors from a range of specialties including emergency, general, public health, palliative care, general practitioners, surgeons, psychiatrists, anaesthetists, paediatricians and junior medical staff have signed the letter.

North-West GP and spokesman for the campaign Dr Darren Briggs said doctors have a moral obligation to speak out about such issues.

Doctors who signed the petition to stop native logging.

“Just as we have in the past for tobacco, alcohol, and most recently, COVID-19,” he said.

“As we transition towards a low carbon emissions future, many sectors of society and industry will need to make adjustments.

“It is the role of government and industry to ensure a smooth transition and that fair support is provided to workers while the changes that are needed for the health of all are implemented.”

Greens climate change spokesperson Rosalie Woodruff welcomed the call, but said Mr Gutwein needs to do more.

“The Gutwein government is happy to pat itself on the back about lutruwita/Tasmania’s emissions profile, but refuses to admit it’s due to the Tasmanian Forest Agreement – negotiated under the Labor Green government,” she said.

“The Premier, and Climate Change Minister, Peter Gutwein needs to listen to experts, just as he has done so well during the coronavirus emergency.”

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