The Newman Government passed legislation in Parliament to outlaw cruelty to dugong and turtles – delivering on another key election commitment for Queensland.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry John McVeigh said cruel dugong and turtle hunting practices were unacceptable and had provoked outrage in the community.
“These amendments to the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 will protect dugong and turtles from unreasonable pain and suffering,” Mr McVeigh said.
“We have removed exemptions from animal welfare obligations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people acting under tradition or custom, which brings Queensland’s animal welfare legislation in line with other states.
“The changes will only affect the small number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have been using unacceptable hunting methods. Hunting rights, including Native Title hunting rights, are not extinguished by these amendments.
“Aborig inal and Torres Strait Islander people in Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns and Thursday Island were invited to participate in consultation on the amendments.”
Mr McVeigh said there would be a 12-month grace period for enforcement of the changes, during which time anyone found using cruel hunting methods, except for significant animal welfare breaches, would be given a warning rather than face prosecution.
“During the grace period we are encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities to work with scientists, animal welfare interest groups and other stakeholders to develop acceptable hunting practices,” Mr McVeigh said.
“These should be based on science and practicality and still recognise tradition and custom.”
For more information about the legislative changes visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23 or contact the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs on 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
For more information on animal welfare and ethics and the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.