Another battle is brewing in California over kangaroo skin.
Debate over whether or not Californians should wear kangaroo leather gloves, soccer boots and other products has raged since 1971 when the state banned kangaroo skin products.
In 2007, at the urging of the Australian government and kangaroo skin exporters, a moratorium was placed on the ban.
But, that moratorium will expire next year and the Australian government is lobbying to get the ban abolished so kangaroo skin exports to California could continue.
"The Australian government wishes to grow our strong economic ties by removing unnecessary trade barriers that are not grounded on science," Australian Ambassador to the US Kim Beazley told the Los Angeles Times in a statement.
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"A temporary solution has been in place for years and it is now time to adopt a permanent resolution."
Beazley said California and Australia had cooperated over the past decade to ensure non-endangered kangaroo products were imported into California and "sold in a manner consistent with science-based wildlife management practices designed to ensure sustainability of kangaroo populations - currently numbering over 50 million for the four species in question".
There are fears from animal rights groups that moves will be made to lift the ban via private lobbying, not the regular way where a bill is introduced and debated during the legislative process.
In the lead-up to the 2007 decision the kangaroo skin debate became a hotbed issue in California involving animal rights groups.
"California policymakers should consider not only the Australian government's and kangaroo industry's assertions offered during private meetings, but also hear from other experts and the public," Jennifer Fearing, a lobbyist for the Humane Society, said.
An industry group, the Kangaroo Industry Association of Australia, hired a lobbyist last month soon after the deadline for policy bills passed for the year.
For the law to be changed before the moratorium ends, it would have to come outside the standard process.
Australian government representatives have met with lawmakers to discuss the ban, including Senate leader Kevin de Len, who met with Beazley in Los Angeles last month, according to the LA Times.
But, legislative leaders say no change to the ban is in the works.
