The whole matter of importation has been handled by the Federal DEWHA under the EPBC Act.

…”how the regulatory systems informing the debate (especially that embodied in the Vertebrate Pests Committee) were not readily transparent nor easily accountable;” …is pretty harsh given the VPC had no role.

Responsibility, and therefore accountability, rests with the Environment Department. If there are concerns about transparency or accountability, they should rest there (http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/trade-use/publications/savannah-cat-assessment.html)

I’m also interested in the evidence that “the language used was often full of problematic imagery and ideas that where often irreconcilable and further detracted from opening up discussion”. This issue has attracted enormous attention and far greater comment than other wildlife issues. Couldn’t it be argued that the imagery and language used has actually opened up debate?

Thanks for discussing this issue.