Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2008-09-11 Daily Xml

Contents

KANGAROOS

In reply to the Hon. SANDRA KANCK (3 April 2008).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy): The Minister for Environment and Conservation advised:

1. In 2007, approximately 40 per cent of the South Australian commercial kangaroo harvest was female.

2. In relation to the consideration of young at foot, the National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos sets an achievable standard of humane conduct and is the minimum required of persons shooting kangaroos. The new draft National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies provides specific direction to ensure that no dependent young are left to die of starvation, dehydration or predation.

3. Compliance with the Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos is a condition of permit for commercial kangaroo field processors (harvesters). The commercial industry in South Australia is highly regulated, and all kangaroo field processors are required to meet firearms accuracy standards to ensure that they are capable of meeting the standards outlined in the code of practice. Breach of the code of practice can result in the issue of an expiation notice, prosecution or revocation of permit.

4. I am advised that appropriate policy is in place for the humane commercial harvest of kangaroos.