Yes, keeping roadkill is legal in Australia only if it complies with state-based wildlife protection and biosecurity laws, which vary significantly. In most jurisdictions, native species require permits, while non-native animals may be taken under specific exemptions. Failure to adhere to these rules risks prosecution under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 or state equivalents.
Key Regulations for Keeping Roadkill in Australia
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Native Species Permits: Most states (e.g., NSW, Victoria) prohibit keeping native roadkill without a wildlife rehabilitation or scientific purposes permit issued by local authorities like the NSW Department of Planning and Environment or Victoria’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. Unauthorized possession constitutes an offense under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW) or Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (VIC).
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Non-Native Species Exemptions: In Queensland, the Nature Conservation Act 1992 allows the taking of non-native species (e.g., feral pigs, rabbits) without a permit, provided they are not listed as pests under the Biosecurity Act 2014. However, transport and disposal rules still apply to prevent disease spread.
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Biosecurity and Food Safety: Even if legally obtained, roadkill must comply with the Biosecurity Act 2015 (Cth) and state health codes. For example, consuming kangaroo roadkill in South Australia requires adherence to the Food Standards Code and local council waste disposal guidelines to avoid contamination risks.