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Agriculture Environment and Water | September 06, 2016

Kealy - End kangaroo pet food licence uncertainty

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP wants to see a permanent state wide kangaroo pet food program implemented, following what she says has been a proven and successful trial.

 

“The benefits of processing kangaroo carcasses for pet food rather than burying them has stopped unnecessary waste, already created over a dozen local jobs and a new niche market for high quality pet food,” Ms Kealy said.

 

“The success of the kangaroo pet food trial means Labor must now take steps to make it a permanent program, removing the ongoing uncertainty for farmers, processors and pet food retailers.

 

“We now have over two years of documented evidence that the kangaroo pet food trial has worked. It is time to acknowledge its success and make the program permanently available,” she said.

 

The Kangaroo Pet Food Trial was established by the Nationals when in Government for an initial two year period. Following extensive lobbying by Ms Kealy the program was saved from being scrapped by the Melbourne Labor Government.

 

“It is important to note, this trial has not increased the total number of kangaroos permitted to be harvested under licence,” Ms Kealy said.

 

Farmers in the West Wimmera and Glenelg Shire areas will benefit from a further extension to the Kangaroo Pet Food Trial area announced last week.

 

“Following my public statements to highlight Labor’s forgotten promise to expand the Kangaroo Pet Food Trial area, Minister Lily D’Ambrosio has finally been brought to account after seven months of persistent lobbying by the local community”, Ms Kealy said.

 

“I challenge the Andrew’s Labor Government to stand up to the inner city Greens and put country people first for once by making the kangaroo pet food licence system a permanent program,” she said.