The NSW Nationals are calling on the Minns Labor Government to push its federal counterparts to oppose a bill that could have a negative impact on the Australian kangaroo population.
The Kangaroo Protection Act of 2024, currently before the U.S. Senate, would ban the sale and manufacturing of products made from kangaroo skin, affecting animal welfare and the export industry.
A Notice of Motion, put forward by NSW Nationals MLC Scott Barrett to highlight the issue, was supported after a debate in state parliament yesterday.
The Notice follows a joint letter that was sent to the U.S. Senate by Federal Nationals Leader David Littleproud and state leaders.
NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders, who was included on the letter, said it's important to recognise the damage the bill would cause.
"Here in NSW and right across the country, we have a highly regulated and sustainable commercial harvesting programme that allows kangaroos to thrive, while also providing a crucial industry for regional communities," Mr Saunders said.
"While this legislation may have had a good intent, it will lead to a population boom, which won't be good for our Aussie kangaroos or other native wildlife.
"It will also cause a $200 million annual hit to the Australian economy and affect our $82 billion agriculture industry."
Mr Barrett said while kangaroo harvesting can be an uncomfortable topic, it is a necessity for the environment, the economy, and for safety on our roads.
"The name of this U.S. Senate Bill is extremely misleading because without population management more harm would be done to our kangaroos," Mr Barrett said.
"No one wants to see kangaroos unnecessarily killed, but animal welfare is a big part of living in regional NSW. We grow up on farms and we care about the animals we raise but there is a practical reality around kangaroos being overabundant.
"I'm glad I could get the state Labor Government on board to support my motion, but now it needs to step up and ensure the Albanese Labor Government is on the same page."
