Tuesday, 3 October 2023

Wildlife rescue

Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:26): (276) My question is for the minister representing the new Minister for Environment in the other place. Recently wildlife rescuers attended a kangaroo somehow stuck on the edge of a train track in Epping, suspended in a confined space 20 metres above the ground. A sophisticated darting and rescue operation ensured his capture and safety – the safety of not just the kangaroo but commuters and the public. In the last 18 months the largely volunteer-run Vets For Compassion have attended over 1800 call-outs for injured and displaced native animals. Wildlife rescue is a form of emergency service, yet each week it costs them thousands of dollars out of their own pockets. We would not expect our ambulance or police workforces to operate through community donations, so will the government recognise the work of our wildlife rescuers and fund their vital service, which keeps native animals and the public safe?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:27): I thank Ms Purcell for her question, and I can confirm that I act for both the environment and the agriculture ministers, so I look forward to these exchanges often. In that regard I am sure that the new Minister for Environment Mr Dimopoulos would be very pleased to not only take your question and respond but perhaps catch up on broader issues.

Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:28): The demand for wildlife rescue services is at an all-time high, and it is projected that this year’s summer months will bring the most significant bushfire season since the Black Summer. With the demand for rescue increasing outside of the fire season, what precautions and measures have the government put in place to support rescuers and protect wildlife in the occurrence of a major fire?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:28): I thank Ms Purcell for her supplementary question. It is a really important issue and something that I am always conscious of when I am visiting emergency situations and control centres. I always make it part of my visit to speak to people that are responsible for animal welfare, not just in relation to the department organisations but also the rescue groups that you talk about. They are an important component, an important part, of any emergency response, but I will leave the details for the minister.