Tuesday, 12 November 2024

Animal welfare

Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:34): (730) My question is for minister representing the Minister for Environment in the other place. On 8 October a Victorian Pest Animal Control employee shot a kangaroo in the head from their vehicle without authorisation on Melbourne Water public property in Smiths Gully. The constituent who witnessed this received a response from Nillumbik Shire Council in writing that this was done in so-called self-defence. Can the minister please explain how shooting a native animal from approximately a hundred metres away can be considered self-defence?

Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:35): I thank Ms Purcell for her question. I will refer that matter to the Minister for Environment for a response.

Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:35): Thank you, Minister, for referring that on. Despite VPAC’s contract with the council expiring on 23 October last year, they were caught shooting deer on 5 February this year at the same location. After a local called out their illegal conduct they made a new contract and backdated it to cover the shooting. VPAC did not notify neighbouring homes until a local made a police report at 3 am. Just 19 minutes later the VPAC employee sent out a text saying he forgot to notify them. These illegal shootings are happening all of the time. What action is the minister taking to stop them?

Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:36): Again I thank Ms Purcell for her supplementary, where she makes some serious allegations. That matter will be referred to the Minister for Environment for a response.