(1)   Has the department received the Tasmanian Government’s options proposal for the ongoing management of healthy Tasmanian devils in the wild, including plans to release them on Tasmanian offshore islands, particularly Maria Island.

(2)   In light of concerns raised by community groups, will the department seek public comment on these proposals.

(3)   Does the Government agree with proposals to release Tasmanian devils on various offshore islands.

(4)   Does the Government consider the island release option an essential part of the long-term recovery plan for the Tasmanian devil in the wake of the transmissible facial tumour disease.

(5)   What ongoing assistance is the Government offering to the research effort into devil facial tumour disease and for ongoing efforts to safeguard the species survival in the wild.

(1)   No.

(2)   If my Department receives a referral from the Tasmanian Government for the release of Tasmanian devils onto Maria Island, or any other offshore island, it will be made available for public comment on the Department’s website for 10 business days, in accordance with the requirements of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

(3)   The Government does not have a position on these proposals. If a specific proposal is referred to my Department, it will be assessed, and a decision will be made based on the relevant facts.

(4)   As above.

(5)   The Australian Government provided $2 million for the 2005/06 and 2006/07 financial years through the Tasmanian Regional Community Forest Agreement, to accelerate research into the Devil Facial Tumour Disease. In the 2007/08 financial year the Australian Government will provide a further $1 million to continue fieldwork that will help suppress the spread of the disease in the wild, monitor the spread of the disease, and continue to ensure that there are populations of Tasmanian devils established in captivity to enable their long-term survival in the wild.