ANIMAL Justice Party MLC Mark Pearson has praised the work of the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital.
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Volunteers gave Mr Pearson a guided tour of the koala hospital on Tuesday and explained how the koala hospital operated.
About 250 koalas are admitted through the koala hospital each year.
"I think this is extraordinary," Mr Pearson said about the koala hospital.
"It is fantastic work and they are very dedicated."
Mr Pearson believes the community needs to be educated about wildlife protection.
"I think any person who has a property and is contemplating cutting down the homes of wild animals, they have to be educated," he said.
"We need to send a very clear message to the community that when you purchase a property, and there are animals living on that property, you must give utmost respect to those living animals and it will be a serious offence if you harm them or harm their habitat."
Mr Pearson said the koala hospital played an important education role.
The koala hospital, established in 1973, attracts visitors from around the world. He said when children were taught to have compassion for animals, they became better people and they contributed better to the community.
The Animal Justice Party was formed as a response to public concern about the neglect of animals and animal protection issues by political parties.
The party won its first parliamentary seat by gaining the last spot in the Legislative Council in the NSW election.
Mr Pearson said his role included being an ambassador for animals and meeting people at the coalface.
