The Hobart Mercury has reported today that the Federal minister responsible for heritage, Paul Fletcher, has signed away heritage protection for the Aurora Australis this week.
We can't share the article (paywall) but we've had confirmation from another source.
This means that P&O can sell the ship and send her away as soon as they have closed a deal. If she is not sold to a foreign owner, she will be sent to scrap.
This is clearly the worst news we could have had, but we haven't given up yet!
Last week our request for an Australian Parliamentary Petition was approved at last (took about six weeks) and you'll find it here.
A Parliamentary Petition is an official Parliamentary document. If you're an Australian citizen, please sign and share - it is our last opportunity to get the Government's attention.
Meanwhile we are trying to find other ways to access the funding we need. It's not easy, and we haven't much hope left, but we are carrying on! We'll keep you informed.
Thanks as always for your support - please share with your friends.
More soon!
Cheers
Dr Melanie Van Twest
Secretary/Director
Aurora Australis Foundation