Ms O’CONNOR – A couple of things, minister. Perhaps, if your government hadn’t made feral deer a protected species, some of our primary producers would have to spend less on controlling them. But I’m interested in getting some updated information on crop protection permits that have been issued, and, seeing as it’s probably about three years now since the Greens obtained the last table of crop protection permits issued, could you please provide them based on the permits that have been issued, which species, and for how many animals?
Ms HOWLETT – I thank Ms O’Connor for her question. The number of active property protection permits is routinely disclosed every six months on the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania website.
Ms O’CONNOR – Broken down by species?
Ms HOWLETT – I have that information –
Ms O’CONNOR – Because the last time we obtained this information, I think we had to get it through right to information.
Ms HOWLETT – Would you mind just giving me a moment?
Ms O’CONNOR – No, not at all. And perhaps while we’re finding that information, I noted what you said before about surveys that had been undertaken on wildlife to determine that populations were stable. Regular surveys taken out by NRET on all the species that are subject to crop protection permits? I don’t think so.
Ms HOWLETT – I’ll seek some advice, Ms O’Connor.
Ms O’CONNOR – Honestly, I don’t believe it.
Ms HOWLETT – Perhaps we can come back to that –
Ms O’CONNOR – Sure, I’m happy to come back –
Ms HOWLETT – We do monitor key species –
Ms O’CONNOR – Okay. I’m very interested in that, because last time I spoke to your predecessor in the role, we talked about the mighty forester kangaroo, which used to have a wide range over the island and is subject to ‘crop protection’ – crop protection in inverted commas – permits. Is there an updated number of forester kangaroo populations in the state? Because the number that your predecessor put out there was very hard to believe.
Ms HOWLETT – That aerial survey is actually happening right now for both deer and for kangaroo. That survey is being completed now.
Ms O’CONNOR – Before I move on, how do we go with my first question? A breakdown of crop protection permits issued over the last few years by species.
Ms HOWLETT – Just seeking the correct information for you. Would you mind if I take that on notice, Ms O’Connor?
Ms O’CONNOR – I’m very happy for you to, and I’ll point you to the right to information- actually, it was through an Estimates process from June of 2022, and it broke down birds, deer, kangaroos, possums, black swans, all the things that are routinely and wantonly shot at scale on the island.
Ms HOWLETT – I’m pretty sure I have that information, and I just want to double check it before I do table it for you.
Ms O’CONNOR – Okay. Like I said, I’m happy to put it on notice and move on.
