Each of the Australian states has its own legislative framework for protection of kangaroos as outlined below.
NSW
In NSW kangaroos, wallaroos and wallabies (collectively referred to here as kangaroos) s are ‘protected animals’ under Schedule 5 of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
It is an offence to harm (including kill, injure or capture) a kangaroo or attempt to harm a kangaroo (including hunt, pursue or use anything for the purpose of harming) without a licence. The BCA provides that ‘an Aboriginal person (or any dependant of an Aboriginal person)’ does not commit an offence of ‘harming, attempting to
harm or possessing protected animals’ if this is for ‘his or her own domestic purposes’ (Section 2.8.1k), except where such and act is done ‘in a declared area of outstanding biodiversity value’ (Section 2.8.2). However, since the provision is worded in terms of a permissible defence to such a charge it is my no means clear if Aboriginal people can take kangaroo for domestic purposes without fear of prosecution.
Landholders in NSW can apply for Licences to harm kangaroos to mitigate damage to the landscapes.
Animal cruelty NSW
The RSPCA, Animal Welfare League NSW and NSW Police Force are authorised officers under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1979 (POCTA).
All three agencies are committed to working together to ensure animal welfare standards are protected, and all allegations of cruelty and neglect are thoroughly and professionally investigated.
If you witness any animal cruelty or an emergency involving an animal, please contact RSPCA NSW straight away. The animal emergency hotline number is 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 3589). Animal cruelty can also be reported online here.
As kangaroos are a native animal, you can also contact your local National Parks and Wildlife Service office regarding issues of kangaroo welfare.
Other states
Queensland
In Queensland kangaroos are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.
The Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (Qld) promotes the responsible care and use of animals. It places a legal duty of care on people in charge of animals to meet those animals’ needs in an appropriate way.
The Act is administered by Biosecurity Queensland. Specially trained Biosecurity Queensland or RSPCA animal welfare inspectors, or the police, investigate complaints about alleged offences.
South Australia
In South Australia kangaroos are protected under the National Parks & Wildlife (Kangaroo Harvesting) 2018 regulations.
The Animal Welfare Act 1985 is the animal welfare/cruelty legislation for South Australia. Incidents of animal cruelty should be reported to the RSPCA South Australia.
Western Australia
In Western Australia kangaroos are protected under the Biodiversity Conservation Act and Regulations.
The animal cruelty legislation in Western Australia is the Animal Welfare Act 2002 and reports of animal cruelty should be made to RSPCA Western Australia.
Victoria
Kangaroos, like all native wildlife, are protected in Victoria under the Wildlife Act 1975.
Animal cruelty in Victoria is prohibited under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (POCTA) and incidents should be reported to RSPCA Victoria.
Tasmania
In Tasmania macropods, like all native wildlife, are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 2002.
Animal cruelty is prohibited in Tasmania under the Animal Welfare Act 1993 and cases of animal cruelty should be reported to RSPCA Tasmania.
Northern Territory
Animal cruelty in the Northern Territory is prohibited under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and cases should be reported to the Department of Primary Industry and Resources’ Animal Welfare Branch on 1300 720 386. All calls received by the Animal Welfare Branch are confidential and you can stay anonymous. You can also email [email protected].
To report wildlife crimes or smuggling in the Northern Territory go to this page.
Australian Capital Territory
In the Australian Capital Territory kangaroos and all other native fauna are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 2014.
Animal cruelty is prohibited under the Animal Welfare Act 1992 and cases should be reported to RSPCA ACT.