Thursday, 27 August 2026

 Jeff BOURMAN (Eastern Victoria) (12:25): (1450) My question is for the minister representing the Minister for Agriculture, who I think is Minister Blandthorn. Minister, until 30 June this year the Victorian government provided drought assistance to farmers to control overabundant kangaroos competing with livestock for scarce fodder. The Prime Minister has now announced that Vietnam will open its market to Australian kangaroo products. Rather than paying for kangaroos to be shot and left to waste, will the government work with Victoria’s commercial kangaroo industry to turn necessary population management into food, jobs and export income whilst continuing to support farmers dealing with kangaroo pressure?

 Lizzie BLANDTHORN (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Children, Minister for Disability) (12:25): I thank Mr Bourman for his question, and I will refer it to the Minister for Agriculture accordingly.

 Jeff BOURMAN (Eastern Victoria) (12:26): Thank you, Minister. Minister, I have visited Vietnam a few times and know there is an enormous appetite for high-quality Australian produce. Personally, I can think of a worse place for a sustainably harvested Victorian kangaroo to end up than in a good bowl of pho in Hanoi. Rather than listening to those who would prefer kangaroos to be shot to waste whilst opposing their sustainable use, will the government back Victorian farmers and harvesters and help turn an agricultural management problem into a valuable Australian export?

 Lizzie BLANDTHORN (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Children, Minister for Disability) (12:26): I will refer Mr Bourman’s supplementary question accordingly.