Seismic blasting threatens marine life, damaging ocean ecosystems and harming species like southern right whales, and Little Penguins.
The fossil fuel industry uses Special Prospecting Authority (SPA) permits to carry out this destructive practice, putting Australia’s oceans at risk.
But we can stop it. By calling on the Federal Resource Minister Madeleine King, or your local federal Member of Parliament, to abolish SPAs, you can help protect marine ecosystems and push for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
As a constituent of your local MP’s electorate, your opinion matters. Elected officials must choose the right path for Australia’s oceans, and not let the fossil fuel industry wreak havoc for marine ecosystems.
Take action now—our oceans need you!
Call the MP for your electorate, or Federal Minister of Resources, Madeleine King, and pass on your simple message.
- Start by introducing yourself briefly, acknowledge you are a resident in their electorate if applicable, and let them know you have a message you’d like them to pass on to the MP.
- Share your key messages, we suggest the following:
- Abolish seismic blasting Special Prospecting Authority permits: Protect endangered whales by ending the cheap, dodgy permits that allow destructive seismic blasting in our oceans.
- Safeguard marine ecosystems: Work with leaders across government to ensure marine life is protected from harmful seismic blasting.
- Be sure to thank the staffer for their time.
What to expect:
- Ministerial and MP offices usually accept calls during regular business hours, typically from 9am-5pm. If you call outside these hours, you might have the option to leave a voicemail message.
- You’ll likely speak with a member of the Minister or MP’s staff, not the Minister or MP themselves.
- The staff member will be courteous and will make a note of your message. The call will be quick, so it’s best to keep your message clear and to the point.
- Don’t expect a detailed response to your concerns on the spot; their role is mainly to listen and record the issue. If lines are busy and you can’t get through, try calling another office or try again later!
Why these Members of Parliament and this Minister:
Australia’s oceans are currently under threat of seismic blasting, including a proposal through endangered southern right whale migration routes, by geotechnical company CGG.
Resource Minister, Madeleine King, holds a significant amount of power over SPA permit applications and has the ability to abolish SPA permits as part of the Australian government.
Members of Federal Parliament Libby Coker (ALP), Josh Burns (ALP), and Dan Tehan (LNP) are in electorates near Australia’s south east coast, where the threat of seismic blasting is very real.
These MPs have a unique opportunity to represent the concerns of their constituents and to advocate for stronger protection of marine life in their regions. By targeting these key representatives, we can amplify the voices of coastal communities who are directly affected by the threat of seismic blasting.
By reaching out to Minister King and these MPs, we can urge those in positions of influence to take a stand against seismic blasting and protect our oceans.
Other talking points:
- If the staff member suggests that your message should be directed to the Environment Minister, politely remind them that all elected officials have a role in advocating for their constituents’ concerns. They can help influence decisions around seismic blasting and fossil fuel exploration.
- We expect our leaders to stand up for the environment, not the interests of fossil fuel giants.
- The Australian public values healthy oceans and thriving marine life. It’s crucial that MPs work across the aisle to ensure that seismic blasting is abolished to protect our natural heritage for future generations.
By following this action, you will place a digital call to your selected Minister’s office.
Please be respectful and refrain from personal attacks or derogatory language in your message. Know someone will listen to this, and that your actions have an impact.