Tuesday, 17 October 2023

Kangaroo leather

Jeff BOURMAN (Eastern Victoria) (15:15): (302) My question is for the minister representing the Minister for Jobs and Industry in the other place. Minister, kangaroo leather is useful and highly sought after internationally. It takes something that has impacts on agriculture and turns it into a high-end, sustainable and uniquely Australian product. Can the minister outline what the government is doing to support the growth of this sustainable industry in Victoria?

Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (15:16): I thank Mr Bourman for his question and his interest in this matter, and I will refer it to Minister Hutchins for a response.

Jeff BOURMAN (Eastern Victoria) (15:16): I thank the minister for forwarding it on. Minister, if wild-shot kangaroos are not used sustainably, they are left to rot. Banning their use does not stop them from dying; it just means that they are wasted. Is the minister aware of any threats to the sustainable use of wildlife, and what is the government doing to proactively address those threats?

Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (15:16): Again, Mr Bourman, I will refer your supplementary to the Minister for Jobs and Industry.