Wildlife trade and conservation

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• Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies - Draft National Code of Practice (PDF - 497 KB)

What is the draft National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies?

The draft National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies (hereafter referred to as 'the Draft Code') has been developed by a working group of the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council (NRMMC). The Draft Code was developed as part of a review of the Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos (hereafter referred to as 'the Current Code'). Once finalised and endorsed by the NRMMC, it is proposed that the Draft Code will replace the Current Code.

Why write a submission?

The Working Group is seeking comment on the Draft Code. It is an opportunity to provide information, express your opinion, suggest alternatives and have your say on the new draft Code of Practice.

If you prefer not to write your own submission you could make a joint submission with others.

What makes an effective submission?

To ensure your submission is as effective as possible:

• Make it concise and clear.
• Reference your points to the relevant sections (and page numbers) in the Draft Code.
• Describe briefly each subject or issue you wish to discuss. State whether you agree or disagree with how the issue is dealt with in the Draft Code.
• Suggest alternatives to deal with any issue with which you may disagree.
• Clearly state your reasons for your views (particularly if you disagree) and give sources of information where possible.

Each submission is important in its own right, but the most useful ones are those that give reasons for concerns, give support where appropriate and offer information and constructive suggestions. Indicating where you agree with the Draft Code as well as where you disagree can be helpful.

What happens to your submission?

The Working Group will assess the comments according to established criteria (see below) and then refine the Draft Code in light of those comments. Once finalised the Working Group will submit the Draft Code to the NRMMC for its endorsement. A summary of the submissions will be provided to the NRMMC along with the finalised Draft Code.

A request that a submission be regarded as 'CONFIDENTIAL' will be considered but not necessarily granted. If granted, the author will remain anonymous in the summary of submissions. If not granted, the author will be notified and the author may withdraw the submission. Designation of a submission as confidential will not necessarily guarantee that the document will be exempt from disclosure under freedom of information legislation.

What criteria will be used in assessing your submission?

All submissions will be considered.

1. Your views may be included if the submission you make:
   1. provides a clear case for the need to amend, correct or incorporate new material not currently contained in the new Draft Code.
2. Your views will not be incorporated into the Draft Code if the submission you make:
   1. does not provide a clear case for the need to amend, correct or incorporate new material not currently contained in the new Draft Code;
   2. offers a neutral statement or no change is sought;
   3. addresses issues beyond the scope and terms of reference of the Working Group (e.g. that the shooting of kangaroos should cease altogether);
   4. is one amongst several divergent view points received on the topic and the recommendation(s) expressed in your view point was not considered the best option;
   5. contributes options that are not possible (generally due to some aspect of existing legislation or that are technically unfeasible or could not be reasonably and safely applied in the field by kangaroo shooters).

Background documents

The following documents may be helpful in preparing your submission.

• The Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos (Current Code):
• Kangaroo Shooting Code Compliance (2002 report prepared by the RSPCA):
• NRMMC Working Group Discussion Paper (August 2004):

The Draft National Code of Practice closed for public comment on Thursday 6 March 2008.