This Liberal Government is more interested in protecting invasive deer than they are Tasmanian road users, farmers and our precious wild places.
New statistics published by RACT have shown that between 2021 and 2025 deer-related car crashes have risen by more than 160% and that Tasmanians have claimed close to $800,000 in insurance costs from deer-related vehicle accidents. The Invasive Species Council estimate the real cost to Tasmanians may be even higher, putting the cost at around $1million each and every year.
These statistics lay bare what Tasmanians have been saying for years – that the out of control deer population poses a serious safety hazard and cost to Tasmanian road users.
With the deer population exploding, it is clear that this Liberal Government’s lax approach to deer management is failing. This failure is costing Tasmanians – from the agriculture sector to road users – millions per year.
Let’s stop the destruction environmentally and economically and see better investment into eradication programs.
Stronger, more decisive action that is backed by science is needed to properly manage and reduce deer numbers. This action is needed now.
The Greens call on the Liberals to invest in concentrated eradication programs with professional hunters. This approach has been recognised as the best method in the National Feral Deer Management Plan and has been a success in other states such as South Australia.
The government must also immediately remove the protections this invasive species receive by law and instead prioritising protecting Tasmania’s people and wild places.
