The Animal Justice Party's ACT Senate candidate Marcus Fillinger believes his chances at the polls have been boosted by the ongoing debate over kangaroo culling in Canberra.
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Culling across seven sites within the capital could begin as early as Thursday evening following a tribunal’s approval of a scaled-back control program.
While “extremely disappointed” with the decision handed down by the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Mr Fillinger said the ongoing community concern could strengthen support his for Senate bid for the Animal Justice Party.
“I think it will bolster my position,” he said.
“This is a major issue. If anything, it will bolster my chances.”
The culling and commercial killing of kangaroos has been listed as a policy focus of the Animal Justice Party, which aims to ban all kangaroo “slaughter”.
Its policies, outlined on the party website, also aim to increase and enforce penalties for all non-accidental killings, develop a kangaroo tourism industry, and require all dogs to be walked on leashes in areas where kangaroos live.
The tribunal’s ruling that 1244 kangaroos could be shot has prompted a strong reaction from activists, who have vowed to protest once professional shooters begin the annual operations.
Mr Fillinger wouldn’t comment on whether he would be joining the protesters, nor confirm expected numbers.
“But people will do what it takes to protect our wildlife,” he said.