HOPPER BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE ON WILD DOGS

The Shadow spokesman on Natural Resources and Water, Ray Hopper, did not know who was responsible for wild dog control in Queensland, Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace said today.

Mr Hopper was barking up the wrong tree in the Queensland Parliament today when he asked Mr Wallace about control measures for wild dogs.

Unfortunately for Mr Hopper, control of wild dogs passed to the Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries on March 1.

“Mr Hopper was caught on the hop,” Mr Wallace said.

“He should be in the doghouse with the people of rural Queensland for wasting a question in Parliament on this important issue,” he said.

“It does not inspire confidence that the Shadow spokesman does not know who is responsible for wild dog control in Queensland.”

Mr Hopper was comprehensively briefed earlier this year on the responsibilities of the Natural Resources and Water portfolio.

On March 1, responsibility for pest animals and weeds passed to Biosecurity Queensland under the control of the Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries, Tim Mulherin.

The change, affecting nearly 700 staff, was widely publicised and should have been known to the shadow spokesman.

Media inquiries: Paul Childs, Craig Wallace’s office, on 0407 131 654.