Paul Neville (Hinkler, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

It is fortuitous that I am here, Minister. You will recall that you came to Bundaberg—very graciously, I might add, and very helpfully—and we talked about the problem of bats. Bats are a big problem, especially in fruit-growing areas. Long debate has ensued over how they should be controlled. I for one am not into the wholesale slaughter of wildlife at any cost, but there are other methods, which you have heard about—shooting the scouts. In view of the fact that this is having a big impact on fruit crops on the one hand and in view of the links between bats and viruses in horses on the other, what is your current thinking with regard to that and what negotiations have you had with your state colleagues?

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