Melina BATH (Eastern Victoria) (14:19): (1392) My question is to the Minister for Environment. Minister, livestock losses from wild dog attacks have increased by more than 80 per cent since 2023, while your government has cut aerial baiting and reduced ground baiting by up to 66 per cent in some eastern management zones. Minister, will you restore programs to protect Victorian livestock and vulnerable native fauna from wild dog predation?
Melina BATH (Eastern Victoria) (14:20): Minister, you raised the issue around north-western Victoria. Minister, there is a farmer called Scott Keller, and he is from Rainbow. He has just invoiced your department almost $40,000 for the loss of 16 ewes, 145 lambs and 21 nights of patrol caused by wild dog attacks. Indeed his 72-year-old father broke down in tears witnessing the carnage that these wild dog attacks do to their prized lambs. Minister, how many more farming families must suffer losses like the Kellers before you restore effective wild dog controls and unprotected arrangements that allow farmers to protect their stock?