Kangaroo commercial code review

About

This project aims to deliver a revised national code of practice for the humane shooting of kangaroos and wallabies for commercial purposes. The current Kangaroo Commercial Code (Code), published in November 2008, is now due for review.

The findings and recommendations from recent scientific research conducted to examine a range of significant issues needs to be incorporated into a new Code to ensure that harvesting is conducted in the most humane manner.

A revised Code has been developed with input from the Project Reference Group and kangaroo harvesters.

Public Consultation on the revised Kangaroo Commercial Code

Public consultation for the revised national kangaroo commercial code is now closed. The public consultation ran from Monday, 25 November to midnight Friday, 24 January 2020.

In 2018, AgriFutures Australia contracted researchers from NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to review and update the kangaroo commercial code. People and organisations interested in the welfare of kangaroos and wallabies are now invited to assess how well the revised code will ensure the humane commercial harvesting of these species in Australia.

This public consultation is your opportunity to contribute to the development of acceptable animal welfare requirements for the commercial harvesting of kangaroos and wallabies.

The feedback will help to shape the final code, which will be provided to state and territory governments for their noting and endorsement. A short survey to assess public views and attitudes towards the commercial harvesting of kangaroos is included as part of the public consultation process.

 

This project is supported by funding from AgriFutures Australia as part of the AgriFutures Kangaroo Program.

This project has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of New England (Approval No HE19-091 Valid to 03/06/2020).

Overview of the review process

Step One (COMPLETE) The Project Reference Group includes representatives from federal and state governments, the kangaroo industry, RSPCA Australia, the Australian Veterinary Association, the Pastoral Industry and AgriFutures Australia.

Researchers from the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI), have been contracted to manage the consultancy for the review of the Code.
Step Two (COMPLETE) Consultant to review existing Code and prepare draft revised version after reviewing the relevant scientific literature and consultation with kangaroo harvesters and the Project Reference Group.
Step Three (COMPLETE) The Draft Code will be presented to the Project Reference group for input and comment, with modifications made where required.
Step Four (COMPLETE) The final Draft Code was made publicly available for comment from Monday, 25 November to midnight Friday, 24 January 2020). Levels of understanding and approval of the Draft Code will also be measured using a survey of a representative sample of the Australian public. The consultation period is now closed.
Step Five (COMPLETE) Following the public consultation period, the Consultant and Project Reference Group will consider the feedback, revise the draft where required and prepare a final Code for formatting and publication.
a. Compile relevant comments and suggested amendments and forward to project reference panel for review: 22 May 2020
b. Hold virtual  meeting of project reference group to discuss proposed changes to Code.  Week of 9-12 June 2020
c. Prepare final version of Code that incorporates agreed changes. 17 July 2020
Step Six (COMPLETE) Final Code endorsed by the Australian Government and released.

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The National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Commercial Purposes

The National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Commercial Purposes (the Code) was released on Wednesday 18 November 2020 following a thorough and independent review to incorporate new animal welfare research, changes to harvesting strategies and public perception of the industry.

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