LNP Senator Barnaby Joyce has given a rare voice of support to Federal Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig saying he believes the Queensland Labor senator is doing all he can to reopen the export driven kangaroo meat industry.
Senator Joyce said the roo meat industry's future was tenuous if there were no overseas markets.
"I want to work in a bipartisan way," Sen Joyce said.
"Despite my disagreements with Senator Ludwig on so many other issues, I do think that he is doing what he can to open up the industry.
"I think it is important that rest of Australia knows how important it is to keep this industry open.
"For so many in the west who don't have a degree or a trade, the roo industry gives them a career and a well-paying one when the industry is viable."
Sen Ludwig has been strongly criticised throughout rural Australia for his handling of the live cattle export trade with Indonesia.
Sen Joyce was in Ipswich today speaking to the member for Ipswich West, Sean Choat.
"I was very heartened by the work that Sean is doing with others to get the roo industry in Queensland onto a more secure footing," Sen Joyce said in a statement.
"Whether you are a meatworker in Ipswich or a roo shooter out in the country, this is an industry that is essential, sustainable and politically correct.
"There is no autumn retirement lodge for kangaroos at the end of their life, and if the numbers are not controlled by us then the alternative for the kangaroo is starvation around a watering point.
"Sean has been in close consultation with the only remaining kangaroo meat processing facility in Queensland.
"Game meat processing at Wulkuraka in Ipswich employs 120 meatworkers and Mr Choat is determined to save these jobs, for the potential of the future expansion of the facility and the employment opportunity it represents.
"What people need to realise is that this is a sustainable industry with humane practices that contributes to the economy and creates jobs across Queensland."
Sean Choat said the kangaroo industry had his full support and he was very pleased to be working with Senator Joyce to sustain and promote the industry.
"You can have an emu burger at the Girls coffee bar at Marburg, whilst working in the roo industry at Ipswich, and supporting Queensland in the state of origin, can you get more Australian than that," Mr Choat said.
