Do concerns about kangaroo management represent an existential threat for the red meat industry in the southern Australian rangelands?

Abstract

Concerns raised, including those voiced by animal rights and vegan activists, have limited the available practices by landholders in the southern Australian rangelands to effectively control kangaroos and, over time, the actions of these groups may threaten the existence of the livestock industry. This paper draws on interviews with key stakeholders and workshops with technical experts and red meat industry participants to identify strategies to respond to this potentially existential threat. Strategies include establishing platforms and processes for effective stakeholder engagement, establishing a unified and resourced industry ‘voice’ to effectively engage with government and other stakeholders, and ensuring that the industry self-regulates in order to avoid the potential for rogue elements to undermine its credibility and trustworthiness.