With the World Cup now in full swing, the pro-vegetarian lobby has been decrying Beckham’s use of the adidas-designed boots, claiming they are made from kangaroos that were cruelly slaughtered. One of the most vociferous campaigning groups has been Viva! (Vegetarians' International Voice for Animals) which has gone as far as to say that people who buy kangaroo-skin sportswear and other products are supporting "the largest wildlife massacre in the world".

Incensed at such comments, Mr Truss has now gone on the offensive, accusing groups such as Viva! of not getting their facts right and needlessly jeopardising the livelihoods of thousands of Australians.

"The kangaroo industry is an important and growing regional employer, and it is extremely disappointing to see its export potential threatened by misinformed comments about animal welfare and sustainability," the minister said in a press statement issued yesterday.

Harvesting is Australia is closely regulated and monitored to ensure the long-term sustainability of kangaroos, the minister asserted. Stringent controls apply to the welfare aspects of the industry, as well as a Code of Practice for the humane shooting of kangaroos, produced with the assistance of animal welfare groups.

"The skilled professional shooters operate in accordance with the Code to ensure that their operations are undertaken in a humane and responsible manner. The annual State-based harvesting quotas are determined scientifically though aerial and other surveys — not by market forces. And where exports are involved, the resulting management programmes are subject to the scrutiny and approval of the Federal Environment portfolio." said Mr Truss.

The Minister was equally strident in his support of the end product. "The Australian kangaroo industry is in a position to offer markets around the world a quality-assured, uniquely Australian product that is second to none. Kangaroo meat is lean and healthy, and the skins can be used to produce leather that is soft and fine, but with a very high tensile and tear strength."

The above properties also explain why big sportswear manufacturers, such as Nike, Umbro and adidas, continue to favour kangaroo skin for sports products such as gloves, golf bags and boots. The soft, white, carpet slipper-style "super boots" Beckham is sporting in Japan were specially made by adidas at a cost of more than $14,000 (A$25,000) to provide support for his broken metatarsal.