Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Water) Share this | Hansard source

I have some further information in relation to a question asked today by Senator Milne. I know she has left the chamber but I hope this information will be of assistance to her. I have received the following from the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts.

The government accepts the importance of controlling foxes in Tasmania. I am advised that it is not correct that the Australian government has reduced its funding to Fox Free Tasmania. I am advised that in 2008-09 we provided $980,000, and in 2009-10 a slight increase to $1 million has been offered. The government has provided one year of funding as the effectiveness of Fox Free Tasmania is under review. An independent review of Tasmania’s Fox Eradication Program was commissioned by the management committee of the Fox Eradication Program. The Commonwealth Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts is represented on this management committee. The review was carried out by Landcare Research, New Zealand. It is now complete and is shortly to be considered for endorsement by the management committee. I am advised the government will consider the funding level in light of that review.