Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne says a little-known creature native to tropical north Queensland should be recognised as a symbol of the serious and immediate threat to life presented by global warming.

A brooch modelled on the White Lemuroid Ringtail Possum has been unveiled today at the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC) conference at James Cook University in Cairns, to raise awareness of its plight.

The Australian Greens have announced a suite of new costed initiatives to protect the environment no matter who wins government.

"I don't think anyone is surprised the old parties are ignoring the environment this election," Australian Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne said.

"Tony Abbott and Kevin Rudd think it's an afterthought portfolio, making token announcements while slashing major environmental programs.

"The Greens will plug the gaping void left by the environmental vandalism of the two old parties.

The future is brighter for newly discovered species in Australia today, with a Senate Inquiry report into a Greens bill recommending the closure of a loophole that would prevent newly discovered animals from receiving emergency protection.

“The report recommends a middle ground between the Government’s position and the Greens’ bill, which is a welcome step towards better protecting threatened species,” Australian Greens environment spokesperson Senator Larissa Waters said.