THE Canberra Liberals say they will commission an independent review into the kangaroo cull if elected next year and will place a moratorium on the cull until the outcome of the review is completed.

The ACT government says they don’t need to, there’s one already underway.

“If the Canberra Liberals actually wanted a review into kangaroo management, they would know that the Government has already commissioned an independent reviewer to look over the program,” said Environment Minister Rebecca Vassarotti. .

“This is an independent and mandatory review which is required to take place regularly.”

Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee said the Liberals’ review will investigate a number of areas related to the cull including counting methodology and possible alternatives, environmental impacts such as bushfire fuel reduction, and preservation of biodiversity.

“Canberrans are uncomfortable with current practices that involves the clubbing to death of pouch joeys along with joeys at foot,” Ms Lee said.

“Many have also disputed the methodology used by the Kangaroo Management Unit within the EPSDD to count the number of kangaroos with population estimates from the ACT government referred to as ‘highly questionable’.

“An independent review will look at the current program and assess potential better practice methods than what is currently in place.

“The Canberra Liberals will ensure a thorough independent review takes place into the controversial kangaroo cull and that the practices used are the most effective and in line with community expectations.”

Vasarotti said the government’s independent reviewer wrote to stakeholders last week, inviting them to participate in this review.

“The annual activation of the Eastern Grey Kangaroo Management program is a necessary part of good environmental stewardship,” the minister said.

“The independent review is also a necessary part of good governance. That’s why I stand by the review currently being undertaken.

“It’s not as simple as putting a hold to all program activities. Kangaroo management is the difference between a healthy environment and the destruction of our native ecosystems.”