Labor throws pastoralists to the dogs

The State Opposition has revealed it does not support Royalties for Regions funds being used to tackle the wild dog problem in Western Australia's pastoral regions.

During Budget estimates hearings last night, Pilbara MLA Tom Stephens attacked the State Government for allocating $4.8million in Royalties for Regions funds to upgrade the State Barrier Fence and employ more doggers.

Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman said Mr Stephens claimed the administration of the State Barrier Fence and wild dog control should be part of normal government expenditure.

"What Mr Stephens fails to appreciate is that 'normal government expenditure' under the previous Labor government failed to go anywhere near addressing the problem," Mr Redman said.

"Royalties for Regions was created to tackle serious problems in country areas that Labor was either unwilling or unable to deal with.  

"The State Barrier Fence has two major gaps in it which the Labor government did nothing about.  

"They let the fence fall into disrepair and the dog problem became totally out of control.

"This Royalties for Regions funding is to plug the gaps and upgrade the entire fence to dog-proof standard.

"It will also provide the employment of more doggers to curtail the dog population and bring numbers down to a manageable level."

Minister's office  - 9213 6700