Friday 29 March 2019
The Andrews Government’s decision to continue the kangaroo pet food program is long overdue.
Farmers professional shooters and pet food processors have been calling on the Government to confirm the trial’s future for months after being left in limbo year after year because Daniel Andrews refused to make the trial permanent.
But instead of making what’s proved to be a successful trial permanent Daniel Andrews plans to butcher it.
Labor’s announcement today confirms kangaroos controlled on private property with an Authority to Control Wildlife permit “will not be processed under the new system”.
Labor’s proposal is a backwards step.
The industry has thrived since it was established by the former Liberal Nationals government in 2014 to deal with out-of-control kangaroo numbers and ensure a resource that would otherwise be left to rot in paddocks would not go to waste.
But under Labor’s plan wild dogs and foxes will be having a feast on controlled kangaroos that are again left in the paddock to rot.
It’s another example of the Andrews Government failing to understand how things work in regional Victoria and failing to listen to farmers and regional communities.
Today’s announcement proves the Agriculture Minister has failed once again to stand up for the interests of farmers and regional communities.