Wednesday, 16 August 2023

Responses

Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (18:21): There were 14 adjournment matters raised this evening. Can I request, President, that you consider the matter that was raised by Mr McGowan that was actually directed to me as Minister for Training and Skills. It was a matter that deals with kindergartens and has very little to do with my portfolio.

The PRESIDENT: Can I ask that you direct that to the Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep, Minister Stitt.

Gayle TIERNEY: Sure, okay. The other matter that was directly raised with me was from Ms Bath, and it was in relation to wild dogs. The answer that I will give is the same answer that essentially I gave another member who asked me this question in question time some weeks ago, and that is that the government is more than aware of livestock predation. We know that it is a significant issue, particularly for producers in the north-west, the north-east and of course Gippsland and East Gippsland. I also am absolutely aware that this government is committed to continuing to work with farmers and other private landholders to appropriately balance the protection of livestock production and dingo conservation as well. Through existing programs and regulations we are building farmers’ capability to apply best practice management, including the integrated and targeted deployment of lethal and non-lethal control techniques to prevent livestock predation. I am also aware of recently published research on a whole range of things, and of course the government, as well as the scientific community through peer research assessment, will consider a whole range of things. We are in a situation where the government will continue to consider relevant evidence and research, and that will inform policy and planning on these important issues. I thank Ms Bath for raising this matter this evening.

The PRESIDENT: The house stands adjourned.

House adjourned 6:23 pm.