Government blocks LNP attempt to remove rabbit protection

The Palaszczuk Government has secured Parliament support to block an LNP attempt to remove protection from the destructive threat of rabbits.

Agriculture Minister Leanne Donaldson said the LNP had been prepared to place Queensland’s animal biosecurity at risk with a reckless attempt to disallow the Exhibited Animals Regulation 2016.

“On Wednesday evening we saw the LNP vote against the interests of our primary producers in an act of unprincipled mischief-making,” the Minister said.

“Members of the LNP voted to scrap the regulation that protects farmers from the destructive threat posed by rabbits.

“If the LNP had succeeded it would have severely weakened provisions which prevent the keeping of feral pests, such as rabbits in our state, with all the potential consequences of an escape.

“We warned during the debate in Parliament what was at risk if their disallowance motion was passed, but irresponsible LNP members just couldn’t help themselves.

“The potential for rabbit numbers to escalate rapidly in the wild and destroy grazing land is well known.

“For decades Queensland governments of all persuasions have maintained strict measures to keep them out to protect primary producers from that threat.

“But on Wednesday, the LNP placed that protection at risk.”

Minister Donaldson said there was no justification for the disallowance motion.

“The provisions of the Regulation previously had bi-partisan support and were enthusiastically supported by the LNP when they were in power,” the Minister said.

“Consultation with the industry began as long ago as April 2011 and fees and detailed assessments of costs and benefits were considered as part of consultation with the industry.

The Regulatory Impact Statement released when Tim Nicholls was Treasurer detailed that the LNP wanted the very same fees that they have now voted against.

Labor members supported an amended motion to disallow the Exhibited Animals Regulation fee structure in order to ensure that the regulation on rabbits was maintained.

ENDS

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