LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Herbarium staff axing
In a media release dated 24 September, Meg Webb MLC demanded the state government halt and review any planned cuts to the Tasmanian Herbarium, saying that losing experts in Tasmania’s unique environment will affect future research, conservation, and education. The cuts threaten four out of eight staff positions including the Head of the herbarium, Dr Gintaras Kantvilas an award-winning internationally acclaimed lichenologist. Dr Kantvilas was awarded the Premier’s STEM Researcher of the Year Award last year. “Dr Kantvilas is seen as a pioneer in the field and has played a key role in building our state’s reputation as a leader in the field of lichen and fungi study” said Minister Ogilvie.
The Tasmanian Herbarium is part of TMAG and contains the largest collection of Tasmanian plants and fungus specimens anywhere in the world. It is responsible for developing, maintaining and managing Tasmania’s official botanical collections.
If you are concerned by this attack on the functioning of the herbarium and the loss of senior botanical expertise, sign the Tasmanian Parliament e-petition and write to your Tasmanian state government politicians.
Stop the dumbing down of Tasmania.
Name and address supplied

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