2 February, 2010 7:51AM AEDT http://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2010/02/22/2826096.htm

State Government weighs into the Koala debate

 The New South Wales Minister for Primary Industries, Steve Whan, has given his full backing to the RSPCA’s actions in removing eight koalas from the Waterways Wildlife Park in Gunnedah.

 

He says the RSPCA is a highly-respected organisation that sometimes must make controversial decisions concerning the welfare of animals.

 

The Minister also says he won’t be authorising the return of the koalas to their owner anytime soon, despite receiving a letter from the Koala Foundation of Australia asking him to do so.

 

Steve Whan says he has certain responsibilities that he cannot ignore.