THE Baillieu government has hit out at the federal government's intervention over the reintroduction of cattle grazing to Victoria's Alpine National Park.

But state Environment Minister Ryan Smith did not front the media to answer questions about the issue yesterday, with the government instead releasing a statement slamming Canberra's decision to require federal approval before cattle can be reintroduced.

Cattle grazing on the Drago High Plains. Credit:Justin McManus

In the statement, an unnamed spokesperson said Mr Smith's federal counterpart, Tony Burke, had again failed to consult on the issue. ''It continues the pattern of lack of consultation with any of the states on this issue,'' the spokesperson said. ''Mr Burke didn't even have the courtesy to let the Victorian government know he was about to trample on states' rights in under 24 hours.

''We have always been prepared to work with the Commonwealth to supply any information they require, however they have taken this action without any consultation.''