Moving past the warnings: We need real laws and teamwork for Neil!
Dear Team Neil,
Thank you so much. Our petition has now passed 60,000 signatures because of your amazing support! 🦭💙
While authorities have stayed silent on the risk of euthanasia since their initial warnings of loving him to death.
Neil still needs our help.
The Tasmanian Government is relying on a reactive approach, and we need to turn our momentum into lasting change.
The Problem: Guidelines are Not Laws
(The Political Contradiction)
The Premier has firmly ruled out new legal protections, stating we "don't need to legislate for common sense." He publicly dismissed the community's concerns by stating:
"No, we're not contemplating legislation to my knowledge. This is about common sense... We don't need to legislate for common sense. Common sense needs to be more common."
Yet, in a bizarre twist of political irony, the Premier just posted a video on his official social media accounts calling this "Our favourite Neil the Seal season yet."
It is incredibly hypocritical for the government to use Neil’s viral videos for positive publicity and tourist engagement, while simultaneously refusing to pass the actual, enforceable laws required to protect him. Relying on the common sense of the general public and busloads of tourists simply isn't enough to keep Neil safe.
Tasmania only has optional guidelines, while Victoria uses a strict 30-metre rule backed by automatic financial penalties.
The legal authority to protect our wildlife sits squarely in the hands of the Premier, the Minister for Parks and Heritage, and the Minister for Environment.
They do not need a lengthy parliamentary debate to fix this loophole. Under the Nature Conservation Act 2002, the Minister and Cabinet hold the direct executive power to instantly amend the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulations 2021.
This means the government can immediately create a legally binding, enforceable safety perimeter around marine mammals like Neil the Seal.
It is the duty of the Minister for Parks and Heritage, Minister for environment and the Premier to protect our wildlife.
The mechanism to protect Neil already exists; the government simply needs the political will to use it
The government is actively choosing to look the other way, letting officials use Neil as a cute marketing tool for Tasmanian tourism as seen by multiple media posts and flyers while intentionally blocking the simple regulatory updates that would actually keep him safe on the ground.
Small wins on the ground:
Public pressure has forced authorities to implement a 24/7 security detail for the seal known as Neil, with local council leadership demanding long-term management and protective exclusion zones. While these temporary measures are in place, the state government holds existing authority under the Nature Conservation Act 2002 to enact permanent, legally binding protection regulations. Supporters are encouraged to share this update to maintain momentum for lasting legal changes
What Neil Still Needs:
Strict Legal Fines: Security guards can only watch over Neil and advise people, but they cannot hand out fines. We still have people up to no good during the day and at night, sneaking in and out of the dunes or rocking up to see him thinking no one is there while he sleeps. Neil needs a binding 20- or 30-metre moving exclusion zone that follows him wherever he goes, backed by automatic on-the-spot fines to stop this behaviour around the clock. Updating this as he grows. We need both state Parks Rangers and local Council officers empowered to issue these proximity tickets immediately.
Proactive Teamwork: Neil needs a permanent, state-funded management framework between the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE Tas), local councils, and wildlife experts to handle his safety and the public as he grows toward his 4-tonne adult size.
Media Accountability and Tourist Restrictions: Our petition explicitly called out media outlets for broadcasting Neil’s exact coordinates, which has now resulted in reports of literal "busloads of tourists" dropping crowds off to swarm him after dark. The government has completely failed to address this. We still need restricted access zones that legally block non-resident tourists from encroaching on local dunes and residential properties while Neil is trying to rest.
Take Action Right Now!
Get Updates: Follow our active community page on Facebook at Neil the elephant seals voice for updates and news.
Email the Ministers: Send a quick message to Minister Nick Duigan (nick.duigan@parliament.tas.gov.au) and Attorney-General Guy Barnett (guy.barnett@parliament.tas.gov.au). Demand enforceable distance laws, not just optional guidelines and social media videos from an inactive government.
Share & Tag: Share this update to social media using our official tag: #neiltheelephantsealsvoice
Thank you for continuing to stand by Neil!
💙🦭Thursday 9th July 2026, locals have reported Neil left his resting spot in the middle of the night at high tide and was seen going towards the beach with his guards
He has not been seen this morning and looks like he has gone back to sea. I will confirm later today on ‘Neil the elephant seals voice’ Facebook page.