James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes the threat that crocodiles pose to humans, livestock and aquaculture in Central, North and Far North Queensland;

(b) recognises that, whilst it is always an admirable goal to protect and conserve wildlife species, measures to minimise the risk of monetary damage, injury or death to humans should always take precedence – that is, that human lives are more important than crocodiles;

(c) recognises that states and territories are responsible for managing crocodiles, including for public safety; and

(d) calls on states and territories to consider all options for the protection of human lives consistent with national law, including sustainable culls.

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Crocodile numbers in North and Far North Queensland are increasing rapidly. Accordingly, crocodiles are encroaching on regional and urban areas and posing a threat to humans, livestock and aquaculture. The priority of a government should always be to reduce the risk of injury or harm to humans. In Queensland we cull kangaroos, we cull rabbits—we cull rabbits on my place, out at Warwick—yet we do not cull animals that pose a tangible threat to human safety. A sustainable crocodile cull should be considered by the Queensland state government—humans, first; crocodiles, second.

Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Labor notes that crocodile management, including any need for culling, is a matter that is determined by states and territories. There have been times when culling of native animals has been permitted, for example, when animals are suffering from starvation. Labor notes that the states and territories already have plans in place for crocodile management. Labor also recognises the important role that Indigenous protected areas and Indigenous rangers play in managing crocodiles. Labor supports the work of the states and the Northern Territory planning and management rights in this area.

Pauline Hanson (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Pauline Hanson (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I support Senator McGrath on this motion, because if you know North Queensland, especially the area around Cairns and as far down south as Townsville, you'll find crocs. People are in danger of having their lives taken. It is quite evident that it does happen on the shore, where horses and dogs have been taken and even children have lost their lives. People have lost their lives because of crocs—and the crocs are moving south. I cannot believe that Senator Chisholm, who is speaking on behalf of the Labor Party and who is supposed to be a senator for Queensland, has no idea of what is happening in North Queensland with regard to this. It would be quite interesting to see if you are going to support this motion.

Opposition senators: We are!

Fantastic! I'm pleased to hear that, because, by the sounds of it, I thought you were pushing it across to state Labor.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! I'm going to strictly enforce the standing orders on this section of debate, because I have commented previously on how it's slipping. The question is that motion No. 1344 be agreed to.

Question agreed to.