Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

We know that the coronavirus has had a big impact on all of our rural and regional industries, and the kangaroo export business is no different. But they have been amazingly adaptable and resilient. Any ban by an international market will have large implications. It's not just because of our direct exports to the US, but because much of our kangaroo product goes via other markets and is manufactured into great leather goods, which are then imported into the US. It's estimated that the commercial kangaroo industry provides about $200 million per year to rural and regional Australian communities, and 3,000 people are employed in this industry. It is a hugely important industry, but the fact is that harvest programs are ethically designed to reduce the significant impact that overabundant kangaroo populations can have on our natural environment. As regional senators would understand, kangaroo populations regularly experience booms and busts.