Jenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Emergency Management) Share this | Hansard source

I've already emphasised in my answer to your first supplementary question that the approach the minister is taking is to carefully consider the information and the scientific advice to ensure that there is a proper and legally robust decision at the end of this process. But you are right: there are things that we can do now in advance of that decision, and we are working to ensure the protection of the skate. I spoke earlier of the $5.7 million that is being invested to help protect the skate and improve that health of the harbour. That includes a $2.1 million program to establish this captive breeding program, and we are pleased to report that that program is helping to save the maugean skate. More than 19 baby skates have hatched and over 100 new eggs have been laid in captivity.