KAP MPs want to see crocs removed from endangered list Protect people first

CROCS should be taken off the protected species list because their numbers are “exploding” and endangering swimmers in North Queensland, according to two key crossbenchers.

KAP MPs Robbie Katter and Shane Knuth met with Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg in Canberra last night, who reiterated his support for a crocodile cull in Queensland if the State Gov- ernment requested one from him.

It follows a spate of crocodile attacks in March and April, including on an 18- yearold who was mauled at Innisfail.

A 35- year- old fisherman was also killed in waters south of the town and a pet dog was reported taken by one of the reptiles at a property north of Innisfail.

Crocodiles are currently listed as “vulnerable”, which gives them protection against hunting and limits the ability for culls to be undertaken.

Mr Katter said the meeting was positive and he would continue to push the State and Federal governments change the listing.

“Everyone knows their population has exploded and they are moving further and further up streams,” he said.

“We know they’re not endangered.

“If these were bull sharks on the east coast we’d be getting action.

“Everyone who will resist will be pandering to the interests of the urban elites in the city who don’t have to swim in these waterways.” to

Mr Frydenberg said human safety came first and that the recent attacks showed there was a good case for stronger action.

“The Palaszczuk Government needs to put the public’s safety first and put forward a proposal for an exemption which I would fully and promptly consider,” he said.

The State Government has previously rejected talk of any form of croc cull and is working on a crocodile management plan. ONE Nation candidate for Burdekin Sam Cox has thrown his support behind James Ashby amid controversy over a recording that suggests the party could turn the upcoming state election into a cash cow.

During the conversation, believed to have been recorded at a meeting late last year, Mr Ashby tells those gathered he thinks One Nation could make money out of the election, including by selling items purchased for the campaign to candidates at inflated prices.

Despite the allegations, Mr Cox said he saw no reason to sack James Ashby from the party and they had been nothing but professional in his dealings with them since he joined their ranks.

“I can’t see any reason why you would dump James Ashby on the back of something that he never followed through with, in a meeting, that something that was suggested in a conversation to make the party survive,” Mr Cox said.

“Why would you sack someone who has helped take the party to where it is … One Nation in my view is being seen very much so as a legitimate option for people.

“I’m not worried at all, I have found One Nation absolutely 100 per cent in everything they’ve done, they are open and they’ve always been upfront.

“They’ve looked after candidates far better than I ever saw in the LNP and they’ve been very open and transparent.

“They deal with candidates one on one, they’re very open with what is expected of us.”