1080 poison
Mr MEDDICK (Western Victoria) (12:12): My question is through the Special Minister of State, Mr Jennings, for the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio. Last week an article in the New York Times reported that feral cats in Australia are driving our native wildlife to extinction. Our government’s response is to use 1080 poison. 1080 is sometimes reported as natural, target specific and easily biodegradable. It is none of those things, which is why it has been banned in all countries except New Zealand and Australia. Potassium fluoroacetate is a compound found in plants. Sodium monofluoroacetate, commonly known as compound 1080, is its synthesised and highly toxic form. First patented by Monsanto in the 1950s, 1080 is an indiscriminate super-toxin, killing mammals, including humans, and it has no antidote. It is intrinsically unstable and can remain toxic for extended periods. Australian native species are particularly vulnerable to 1080 poison, and the long-term impacts on wildlife are still unknown. Will the government seek an alternative form of controlling introduced animals and preventing their reproduction to protect our wildlife?
Mr JENNINGS (South Eastern Metropolitan—Leader of the Government, Special Minister of State, Minister for Priority Precincts, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs) (12:13): I thank Mr Meddick for his question and his concern. I do not know of anybody in the chamber or across the community who would be very happy about the circumstances which you describe in relation to the toxicity of 1080 and the adverse consequences that may be associated with it. In terms of its careful safe handling, I am certain that is a priority. The government has acted on advice, and as I understand it, the most recent advice from the RSPCA would indicate that if some bait or toxins are going to be used in this context it is recommended amongst a number of very, very ordinary options. However, rather than speculating beyond what I understand, in terms of the significance of this issue, I will ask my colleague to provide you with advice about not only the use and safe handling practices that should be associated with this activity but also the current status and reflection of any reviews or reconsideration of any alternative pathways that may be deemed to be more appropriate by the minister and her department.