James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

The coalition government strongly supports our agricultural sector, and managing established pest animals and weeds is a key priority. The Australian government has an agreed Australian Pest Animal Strategy in place and funds a range of different programs to improve the tools, technology, skills and knowledge that farmers and the community need to tackle established pest animals. In addition, the coalition government provided $20 million to fund the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions to improve invasive species management.

Information about the cost of feral animals on the Australian agricultural industry is available in a report by the New South Wales Natural Resources Commission and the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions called Cost of pest animals in NSW and Australia, 2013-14 on the PestSmart website. A relevant link to the report has been provided to Senator Anning's office.