The Minister for Territory and Municipal Services signed off on a National Code of Practice which was in place for the 2013 cull. The eastern grey kangaroos were culled according to the National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for non-commercial purposes (the Code).
The Code was updated in 2008 following national community consultation, and is endorsed by the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council. Its use in the ACT replaces a 1995 ACT specific code of practice which has been used for past culls in the ACT.
The cull method, shooting, is recognised by the Commonwealth, state and territory governments and RSPCA Australia as the most humane method of culling. A well respected, independent veterinarian conducts an audit of the culling process. The ACT Government vet also scrutinises any culls.
Expert marksmen carry out the culls after passing accuracy tests administered by the Australian Federal Police, as well as pass a challenging macropod identification test. The ACT is the only jurisdiction to test non-commercial shooters.
The ACT is the only jurisdiction that restricts culling to a season between 1 March and 31 July. This is designed to avoid the time when most females have large pouch young or young-at-foot that are dependent on milk.
The Code was developed by a working group with representatives from Australian state, territory and New Zealand government ministers responsible for primary industries, natural resources, environment and water policy. RSPCA Australia was also part of the working group.