PETS KEEN ON INSECTS

DEMAND for insect protein in the animal feed and pet food sectors is expected to reach half a million metric tonnes by 2030, according to a new report.

The forecast figure is significantly up on today’s estimated market of 10,000 tonnes, according to agribanking specialist Rabobank.

The high-protein content ensures the health benefits of insect protein as a feed ingredient to animals, the agri-banking report says.

Pet food — primarily for cats and dogs — is the largest market for insect proteins, followed by the fish market, with potential in the poultry-feed market also promising.

MAJOR VicRoads services could soon move online after the Andrews government revealed a private sector shakeup of its registration and licensing division.

Treasurer Tim Pallas on Friday announced the agency was set to move into a “joint venture”, with private companies to come forward with proposals by the end of the year.

He denied the move was a privatisation and described the model as a partnership in which the government maintained control over prices, private data and other essential services.

But he conceded the state would hope to receive some form of payment if a bid was successful.

The private operator would be tasked with investing heavily in the VicRoads’ IT system to modernise it and make sure it can be accessed by other areas of government such as Victoria Police.

“This is not a privatisation in the sense that we are going to remain the owners of this asset,” Mr Pallas said.

“We’ve had many governments over many years, of all differing political complexions, who have talked about delivering an improved registration and licensing system but haven’t ever delivered on it.

“Practically speaking, the private sector are much better at delivering this, they are also much better at being responsive to customer needs.

“Frankly, you’ve got an IT service that is struggling at the moment.”

Mr Pallas said he anticipated interest from superannuation funds and IT companies and did not believe the move would lead to job losses.

But the Australian Services Union, which represents a large share of VicRoads staff, lashed out at the government and called it a betrayal of workers and motorists.

State secretary Lisa Darmanin said there was now a risk of lower wages and conditions.