Media Release | 2 April 2026
Lachlan Hunter MLA
Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food
Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food Lachlan Hunter MP says Western Australia’s frontline defence against wild dogs and other declared pests is being weakened by the Cook Labor Government’s inaction, with regional biosecurity groups now facing a looming funding cliff.
Mr Hunter said the current Wild Dog Action Plan 2021–2026, along with the funding that supports Recognised Biosecurity Groups, is due to expire on 30 June 2026, yet there has been no commitment to a new plan and no confirmation that ongoing funding will be maintained.
“The Minister for Agriculture’s failure to provide clarity and certainty is putting primary producers, livestock and regional communities at risk.
“Right now, the very groups tasked with controlling declared pests in Western Australia are being told to prepare budgets assuming their funding disappears on 30 June 2026,” Mr Hunter said.
“That is simply unacceptable.”
Recognised Biosecurity Groups across WA are already scaling back operations, drawing on limited reserves and facing the loss of experienced Local Pest Management Technicians.
“These are the people on the ground protecting livestock and supporting our producers every single day. That capability cannot simply be switched on and off.”
“The Government has had ample time to get this plan sorted, yet there is still no timeline, no funding clarity and no certainty for the regions that rely on it.”
Mr Hunter said recent spikes in wild dog activity during pauses in control measures highlight the consequences of any lapse.
“When control stops, pests move in. The impacts are immediate and costly for producers.”
He said references to Declared Pest Account funding fall short of guaranteeing continuity.
“Regional Biosecurity Groups need certainty that funding will continue at a level that allows them to do their job properly.”
“The Minister for Agriculture must release the new Wild Dog Action Plan, confirm long-term funding for RBGs, and guarantee there will be no gap in support.”
“Our farmers should not be left wondering whether the people protecting their livelihoods will still have a job in a few months.”
ENDS
