Tanya Plibersek announces federal review of crocodile farming industry

The lucrative crocodile farming industry – already under intense scrutiny from multiple agencies over a fatal helicopter crash – is undergoing a “long overdue” federal review into its handling and slaughter of the species.

Crocodile Wrangler Matt Wright. Picture: Brendan Radke

Crocodile farming, already under scrutiny over a fatal helicopter crash, is ­undergoing a “long-overdue” federal review of its handling and slaughter of ­ animals.

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has announced a year-long review into the industry’s code of practice has commenced to ensure it meets the minimum standards on how to humanely house, handle and kill crocodiles.

The industry, worth hundreds of millions of dollars, exports crocodile skins to luxury French fashion houses.

In the past 18 months, the Northern Territory’s crocodile egg collecting industry has come under scrutiny from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, NT WorkSafe and police who are ­investigating a fatal helicopter crash. Netflix star Chris Wilson was killed when the chopper from which he was slinging crashed in West Arnhem Land during an egg-collecting mission last year. Pilot Sebastian Robinson was critically injured.

Wild Croc Territory star Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson marking crocodile eggs. Picture: Supplied

The helicopter was owned and operated by celebrity croc-wrangler Matt Wright, who also keeps crocodiles at his tourist ­accommodation, and contracted to Darwin “crocodile king” Mick Burns’ company Wildlife Harvesting NT.

In January, Lachlan McDougall Monk almost lost his leg when a 5m crocodile latched on to him while he was collecting crocodile eggs for Wildlife Harvesting NT.

Australia is one of the largest producers of crocodile products. In the NT, where most commercial crocodile farms are owned by French fashion houses Hermes and Louis Vuitton, the industry is worth more than $100m a year.

Ms Plibersek said it was ­important to implement “contemporary and nationally consistent standards for the humane treatment of these unique reptiles”.

Crocodile Farmers Association of the NT chairman Mick Burns. Picture: NT News

“There are currently 21 commercial crocodile farms in Australia and it is vitally important we uphold the standards we have set for a responsible and sustainable industry,” she said.

“This review will ensure that minimum standards and ­expect­ations are up to date, ­accessible and consistently applied.”

An NT government spokesman said Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security audits some farms each year specifically to ensure integrity of the egg collection process.

Darwin-based Centre for Crocodile Research managing ­director Sally Isberg said the ­review was long overdue.

“The code of practice was put out in 2009 and was meant to be reviewed five years later,” she said. “There’s been 14 years of scientific-based, evidence-based research … and we need to make sure the code of practice is updated to reflect the best knowledge.”

Centre for Crocodile Research managing director Sally Isberg. Picture: Supplied

Dr Isberg, a private consultant to crocodile farms, said crocodile welfare and farm profitability were directly linked. “Any farm that does not prioritise their welfare is not maximising their profitability,” she said.