In a budget estimate hearing on Wednesday 7th, May, the Tasmanian government confirmed that it is not considering placing wild deer on the Invasive Species list under the Biosecurity Act.
This is despite lobbying pressure from those opposed to the widely accepted Tasmania Wild Fallow Management Plan.
Primary Industries and Water Minister Jo Palmer said, "[We're] looking at a real balance here between our traditional hunter, who have deer as a traditional resource," whilst also acknowledging "This is such a complex area," and that the hunting community extends into hundreds of families and thousands of hunters.
Scott Freeman, the Australian Deer Association’s Tasmanian co-ordinator, welcomed “this consistent, pragmatic approach to managing our wild fallow deer in Tasmania.”
It is based on a thorough consultation process in forming the wild fallow deer management plan.
The consultation included stakeholders such as the Tasmanian Game Council, Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association, hunting groups, conservationists, foresters, and the general community.
Public forums were also held across the state that had over 200 locals attend to provide their input, and more than 300 submissions were received during the public consulting process.
It is also important to note the potential impacts of deer on agriculture and, in context, in 2021, John McKew, the CEO of the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association, stated, “A recent survey of 240 TFGA members revealed that deer are number six wildlife pest problem for Tasmanian pastoralists” Mr McKew said, “this puts deer behind the different species of wallabies, possums, cockatoos and feral cats”.
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