Labor has failed to dispel misconceptions around the use and overseas imports of kangaroo products, allowing the United States to stick the boot into the kangaroo industry.

It comes after shoe brand Nike announced it would stop making any product with kangaroo leather by the end of 2023.

Puma has also scrapped kangaroo leather for its signature soccer boots, while at least four US states are planning crackdowns, with legislation for an import ban introduced in the US House of Representatives in 2021.

It would make it a crime to buy, receive, sell or commercially exchange any product containing kangaroo.

Kangaroo leather can currently be used in small portions in shoe parts, including soccer cleats.

Leader of The Nationals and Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the Federal Government had been missing in action and had failed to fight for the industry.

Mr Littleproud said it was imperative Labor stopped the animal activist lies, that kangaroos were being killed solely for cleats, adding without a commercial industry, conservation culling would still need to occur to manage populations.

“It’s concerning Agriculture Minister Murray Watt sent the Agriculture Department to the US to dispel myths, rather than himself,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Minister Watt needed to own this issue, step up and make representation, instead of allowing a misinformation campaign to take hold.

“Harvesting actually prevents kangaroos from overgrazing, dehydration and starvation.

The consequence of Labor’s inaction will be poor animal welfare outcomes and more uncontrolled killing.

We know kangaroos can breed easily and are not a threatened species.

The practical reality of import bans in the US would be detrimental to kangaroo populations in Australia.” The kangaroo export trade is worth $200 million a year and employs more than 3000 people.

The kangaroo industry is also one of the world’s best wild harvest operations.

Kangaroo meat is sustainably sourced in accordance with quotas, which are scientifi cally and regularly monitored.

This article appeared in the Allora Advertiser, 22 March 2023.