Senate launches inquiry into threatened species 'extinction crisis'

Inquiry initiated by Greens follows Guardian investigation exposing funding and management failings

The Senate has launched an inquiry into Australia's threatened species crisis after an investigation of national threatened species management by Guardian Australia revealed problems including poor monitoring and a lack of funding.

The inquiry, initiated by Greens senator Janet Rice and supported by Labor and crossbenchers on Wednesday, will examine issues including the country's alarming rate of species decline, the adequacy of Commonwealth laws that are supposed to protect threatened wildlife, and the effectiveness of funding for threatened species.