The New South Wales National party’s decision to make koalas casualties of a political feud to threaten the successful coalition with the state Liberal party is as bizarre as it is misguided.
Gladys Berejiklian is dealing with the dual crises of the Covid-19 outbreak and its economic impact as well as any leader in the developed world. The premier’s ability to limit further outbreaks while maintaining freedom of movement and an open economy is literally the envy of the world and her own state counterparts.
Yet at this time, with Australia experiencing its greatest health and economic crisis since the second world war, the state’s Nationals leader, John Barilaro, and some colleagues have inexplicably threatened to split from the NSW Coalition over planning laws to protect koala habitats.
