2025-12-15
Following questions from ACT Greens Deputy Leader Jo Clay in Annual Reports, it was revealed that the ACT Labor Government has developed a draft report to consider lethally managing Canberra's wombat population with little evidence or ecological base.
Ms Clay said it's extremely unlikely that the community will support farmers killing wombats, especially without a solid ecological and animal welfare evidence base showing that it's necessary.
"This report in its current state paves a pathway for the ACT Labor Government to reclassify wombats as a controlled native species which would legally allow for wombats to be shot and killed," Ms Clay said.
"Some famers have concerns about wombat management in the ACT amongst and we need to carefully consider those and work with farmers to find solutions that are humane and effective," Ms Clay said.
"Farmers haven’t been supported by government to try non-lethal methods properly – that must be the first step.
"What is concerning in this draft is that everything is anecdotal. The Government itself noted there's no formal assessment into the impact or nuisance wombats cause to landholders - it's all word of mouth and only 3 of our 381 farmers have been consulted.
"If the government is going to allow farmers to kill wombats, they need good and valid evidence that it’s necessary. At the moment, we don't even have a clear idea of the wombat population levels, nor the extent of issues posed by wombats.
"There is also no analysis of what education or training in non-lethal management methods have been provided to rural landholders.
"We are still early in this process. The ACT Greens expect the government to properly engage, value and reflect the input of wildlife carers and First Nations people too - we need to recognise their dedication and expertise in this area."
Ms Clay has requested a formal briefing with the ACT Government regarding this report.