The death of 14 Orange-bellied Parrots by rats from the Environment Department's Hobart breeding facility is a terrible loss.
These birds are critically endangered and form part of the national captive breeding program.
Vermin-proofing of aviaries is the first step in protecting any captive birds. It appears this basic task has not been fulfilled.
What steps is DPIPWE taking to make sure this doesn't happen again? Can the Minister assure Tasmanians that resourcing and expertise cuts have not affected our role in the national recovery program for this colourful parrot?
