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Agriculture Environment and Water | February 14, 2018

Liberal Nationals to make kangaroo pet food permits permanent

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP has welcomed the Liberal Nationals’ commitment to make Victoria’s kangaroo pet food trial permanent, giving industry certainty and securing regional jobs.

Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh said the permanent program will be expanded to all rural and regional LGAs, up from the 16 LGAs taking part in the current trial.

Emma Kealy MP said the benefits of processing kangaroo carcasses for pet food has stopped unnecessary waste, already created over a dozen local jobs and a niche market for high quality pet food.

“About 87,000 kangaroos have been processed as part of the program that would have otherwise been left in the paddock to rot,” Ms Kealy said.

“In plague numbers, kangaroos damage fences and trample crops and become a danger on our country roads.

“We all know the dangers of driving at dawn and dusk when kangaroos are most active and without proper management our community safety is at risk.

“The Andrews Labor Government refuses to ensure community safety, secure jobs and provide investment certainty by supporting this industry, but the Liberal Nationals will,” she said.

Under the permanent program, there will not be any change to the requirement for Authority to Control Wildlife permits to be issued for any kangaroos used as pet food.

Figures show kangaroo numbers are on the rise in Australia, increasing from about 27 million in 2010 to almost 45 million in 2016.

Mr Walsh said the commitment would make the former Liberal Nationals government’s successful kangaroo pet food trial permanent.

“The kangaroo pet food industry doesn’t need another extension, it needs certainty,” Mr Walsh said.

“Daniel Andrews and his city-centric Labor Government refuse to support this fledgling industry and the jobs it’s created.

“Unlike Labor, the Liberal Nationals are committed to helping Victorian farmers, making sure processors have confidence to invest in the industry and supporting existing and future jobs,” he said.