Stop the Kangaroo Massacres

Call for an independent inquiry to assess the welfare, health and sustainability of Queensland’s kangaroos and other macropods

This petition draws to the attention of MP Meaghan Scanlon, Minister for the Environment the multiple threats facing kangaroos across Queensland. These threats include commercial and non-commercial shooting, exclusion fencing, habitat loss, fires, droughts and floods. 

In particular, your petitioners highlight the lack of transparency and oversight regarding the treatment of kangaroos in Queensland, particularly the indiscriminate slaughter of kangaroos, including mothers and joeys, in both the commercial and non-commercial slaughter industry. 

Kangaroos are victims of the largest commercial slaughter of land based wildlife in the world. With virtually no protection under law, tens of thousands of joeys are violently beaten against bullbars, bashed on the head or decapitated each year following the shooting or maiming of their mother.  It is estimated that 40 percent of kangaroos who are shot do not die instantly, but are left to starve to death, be attacked by predators or die a slow and painful death from their injuries.

In the words of former shooter, David Nicholls: “The mouth of a kangaroo can be blown off and the kangaroo can escape to die of shock and starvation. Forearms can be blown off, as can ears, eyes and noses. Stomachs can be hit expelling the contents with the kangaroo still alive.” 

When we look at Queensland and its treatment of kangaroos, we are presented with the stark reality that more kangaroos are killed in Queensland for use in the commercial industry than in any other state. The Queensland Government is also responsible for issuing more permits to kill kangaroos than any other state, and Queensland has seen the largest population drop of any other state.

Between 2013 and 2021 the combined 3 species population of kangaroos dropped from 32.8 million to 13.0 million resulting in a loss of 19.8 million kangaroos (60% of population was lost). To express it another way, the number of kangaroos lost during that period is more than the current population (Queensland Government Report: "2022 Quota Submission for Commercially Harvested Macropods in Queensland").

MP Meagan Scanlon, your petitioners urge you to act to protect our Aussie icon from this cruelty and suffering. The cruelty endured by kangaroos is a national disgrace and one that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the international community. Your petitioners commend discussions taking place within the European Union, the largest importer of kangaroo products, to implement a ban on these products due to the associated welfare and health concerns. Your petitioners also highlight the enactment of a full legislative ban on kangaroo products in the US State of California, and the reports of other US States looking to follow suit.  

Kangaroos deserve to live their lives free from fear, cruelty and suffering. Your petitioners, therefore, urgently call on Meaghan Scanlon, MP Minister for the Environment and the Queensland Government to hold an independent inquiry to assess the welfare, health and sustainability of Queensland’s kangaroos and other macropods.