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SUNDAY TASMANIAN (Hobart, Australia) 16 April 06 Irwin bites back at croc-hunting lobby (Darrell Giles)
Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin has defended his influential lobbying of the Federal Government to put a halt to croc safaris in the Northern Territory.
The Queensland-based khaki-clad wildlife expert took Environment Minister Ian Campbell on a personal tour of Cape York to observe crocodiles in the wild.
Soon after, Senator Campbell decided against plans to allow 25 of 600 problem crocodiles to be shot each year by wealthy tourists.
Irwin said yesterday he told Senator Campbell that killing crocodiles would not help "unlock the secrets" of the creatures.
"I told him I am all about crocodile conservation. I strongly believe in the advancement of scientific research so as we can better manage them," said Irwin, speaking at his Australia Zoo theme park at Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast.
Irwin has been criticised by NT communities, crocodile hunters and politicians, including one federal Coalition backbencher who described him as a "militant greenie."
Irwin said: "I can certainly handle being called a militant greenie. I laughed my head off.
"But as for suggesting my fair-dinkum mateship with Ian Campbell had some influence . . . I have only met him two or three times."
The international television star confirmed Senator Campbell joined him and other wildlife experts during a research expedition on the Cape last year.
"What an opportune time . . . we were doing some scientific research . . . attaching dive and tracking transmitters to adult saltwater crocs to discover how deep they go, what they do.
"It was just what someone else in my position would do. I am pretty honoured that after all these years I have been working with crocs that people in such a high position value my knowledge and expertise."
Irwin admitted there were "a lot of angry croc hunters out there" after Senator Campbell's decision, but believed it was the right move.
"He made a very good decision based on all of the evidence given to him . . . not just me. He talked to people on both sides of the fence.
"There was no undue influence from me. But rest assured that I put in 100 per cent because of what I believe in. The croc killers put in their 100 per cent.
"I thought, 'Crikey, this is all about democracy' and he made a democratic decision in the best interests of all of Australia."
Angry Territory Environment Minister Marion Scrymgour said the croc-killing proposal would have provided an economic boost to Aboriginal communities and pastoralists.
She accused Irwin of "heavy lobbying" and holding NT operators to ransom.
Irwin bites back at croc-hunting lobby

No one serious conservationist will be be happy about Irwin´s success ! A big chance to make crocodiles more valuable for the local aborigines is missed. Its a shame, from my sight...but it was not Irwins argumentation: It was Irwins popularity and power.
Go ahead, Aussies: Take the next chance, please, and do not resign because of one totally ignorant TV-star...