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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2025-04-30 Daily Xml
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Kangaroo Deaths, Tunkalilla

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS (14:43): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before addressing a question to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development on the topic of animal deaths in Tunkalilla.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS: Almost six weeks ago, almost 100 kangaroos that were showing severe neurological symptoms and were in distress were euthanised by the PIRSA animal biosecurity team and the National Parks and Wildlife Service at Tunkalilla. Following that, investigations have been undertaken, carcasses were collected and samples were taken. My questions therefore to the government minister are:

1. Were the animals observed as having the staggers, typically associated with grass toxicity poisoning of phalaris or canary grass, prior to their euthanasia?

2. Was the offer of Associate Professor Wayne Boardman to perform necropsies taken up?

3. Will the government release the entire veterinary report?

4. Have any other animal deaths been related to this incident?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:45): Before I begin the answer to that question, I would like to make a clarification to a question I answered earlier today in regard to the SARDI report into fish deaths. The opposition is mistaken in saying that the recommendations begin at No. 4; recommendations Nos 1 to 3 are in the executive summary, according to my advice, so the numbering is consistent and the opposition is wrong yet again.

In terms of the Hon. Ms Franks' question, for which I thank her, I am advised that on Monday 24 and Wednesday 26 March this year the PIRSA animal biosecurity team did attend Tunkalilla Beach to investigate reports of kangaroo deaths. A mob of approximately 200 kangaroos had been impacted, with approximately half the mob showing mild to severe neurological signs. The animal biosecurity team euthanised approximately 50 animals, and a further 30 were impacted but were not euthanised.

Earlier reports of small numbers of kangaroo deaths on 20 March at this location were thought to be linked to phalaris grass toxicity. Disease investigation by PIRSA concluded that the neurological symptoms experienced by the kangaroos were likely caused by phalaris grass toxicity. The dry conditions, lack of palatable food and high densities of kangaroos may have contributed to the poor condition of the animals. National Parks and Wildlife Service rangers visited the site in the week of 14 April and advised that the situation had improved and the kangaroos remaining at the site looked healthy.

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