Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Water) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Brown for the question. As he would know but perhaps other senators might not, the Savannah cat is a relatively new hybrid—that seems to be a theme today—bred by crossing a serval with the domestic cat. There are none known at this stage to have been imported into Australia, although I understand several cat breeders are promoting the hybrid.

The government does recognise that it is essential that Australia’s environment be protected from new, potentially invasive predators. I am advised that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts has initiated a process for the possible amendment of the live import list to prohibit Savannah cats. Senator Brown would be aware that the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act provides a comprehensive regulatory framework for protecting Australia’s biodiversity, and that extends to controlling the importation of live animals into Australia in order to protect the environment. As I have said, Savannah cats are a new hybrid species that are currently treated as domestic cats under the live import controls. This means that under present law they may potentially be imported subject only to quarantine control. I think the good senator was referring to this issue in his question.

The minister is aware of public concern that these animals may pose a threat to the Australian environment, although I have to confess I had not heard the term ‘nuclear’ in relation to it until that question was asked. I am advised the minister is aware of public concern. I can indicate that before any change can be made to the statutory import lists, the EPBC Act requires that a rigorous assessment process be undertaken, including the preparation of an assessment report and consultation with the public and with relevant stakeholders. The minister for the environment has initiated the required assessment process in relation to Savannah cats and their potential impact on the Australian environment. The government is also conscious of the concern expressed today by those opposed to the import of these cats, of whom Senator Brown is one. We are also, as a government, conscious of the concerns of potential importers. I am advised that the minister will therefore ensure that the assessment process is undertaken as quickly as is possible whilst maintaining proper legal processes.