Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Concerns about potential cancellation of future duck hunting seasons avoided by Minister KilkennyMinister Sonya Kilkenny avoids confirming support for duck hunting, raising concerns of future seasons being cancelled. Questions on funding and misleading data were also dismissed during the PAEC hearings. By news@gippsland - 13th June 2023 - Back to News The Minister for Outdoor Sport and Recreation, Sonya Kilkenny has raised further concerns that the Andrews Labor government intends to cancel future duck seasons by refusing to even answer if she supports duck hunting. In an exchange during this week's Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) hearings, The Nationals Member for Gippsland South posed the straightforward question to the Minister, "Do you support duck hunting?" 
The Minister avoided confirming a 2024 duck season. Previous claims of bag limit breaches were proven inaccurate. Compliance data shows minimal violations Dodging duck issueMr O'Brien said, "I am disappointed but not surprised that the Minister failed to answer this simple question. Instead, her Labor colleagues on the committee came to her rescue and the Labor Chair bizarrely ruled the question out of order. It's akin to saying the Minister for Racing shouldn't be asked if he supports racing." "As the first Minister for Outdoor Sport and Recreation, it is extraordinary that the Minister was not willing to throw her support behind a legal outdoor past-time that has been enjoyed by a large percentage of Victorians for generations," he said. Duck season uncertaintyMr O'Brien also asked the Minister if the one-year funding allocation for the Game Management Authority in the budget was an indication that duck season would not continue beyond 2023. "The Minister again duck-shoved my question and refused to confirm if a 2024 duck season will go ahead. This is a government led by a Premier who erroneously said that in the 2022 duck season there are a "number of incidents" of bag limit breaches when in fact there was only one out of 979 checks." "The GMA has now released compliance data for the 2023 season which shows just two hunters of 981 checks breaching bag limits. This is in contrast to 15 offences detected among 415 protestors engaged with," he said. During the hearing GMA officials confirmed that tests on some ducks delivered to the Premier's office by protestors could not find evidence they had been shot. "It's just further proof that anti-duck hunting activists will do anything to advance their cause, even if it means misleading the public." Pictures from Field & Game Australia Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Have your say on key council plans, policies, and the future direction of South Gippsland through current engagement opportunities
South Gippsland Shire Council invites community feedback on key draft plans, policies, and the 2026/27 Budget, with in-person engagement opportunities and "Coffee with a Councillor" sessions in October. - Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park as lease nears end
Latrobe City Council is inviting community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park, with the current operator's lease expiring in May 2026 under Crown Land Leasing Policy requirements for open and impartial processes. - Darren Chester meets new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss future opportunities for East Gippsland Healthcare
Darren Chester met new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss healthcare challenges, commend local innovations improving patient care, and strengthen collaboration to deliver high-quality, accessible health services across East Gippsland. - Melina Bath appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, championing regional lifestyles and economic opportunities
Melina Bath has been appointed Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, pledging to champion outdoor access, community wellbeing, and the vital economic and lifestyle benefits outdoor activities bring to regional Victoria. - Latrobe City invites community input to shape the 2026/27 budget and future priorities, submit feedback by 17 November 2025
Latrobe City Council is seeking community input to help shape the 2026/27 Budget. Share your priorities via council's Have Your Say platform by 5pm, Monday 17 November 2025. - Melina Bath slams Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for ignoring Gippsland farmers' struggles under Labor's tax regime
Melina Bath criticised Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for refusing to advocate for Gippsland farmers, citing VFF survey results showing overwhelming concern over new taxes and Labor's disregard for regional agriculture. - Martin Cameron urges Energy Minister to lift outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon
Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Minister Lily D'Ambrosio for refusing to review outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon, despite studies confirming land stability for development. - Martin Cameron slams Energy Minister D'Ambrosio's false claims on power prices and jobs in Latrobe Valley
Nationals MP Martin Cameron condemned Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio's claims of delivering for Latrobe Valley, citing soaring power prices, weak jobs growth, and neglect of residents during Victoria's energy transition. - Darren Chester welcomes Minister Catherine King’s confirmation that the Eastern Beach Road intersection remains a priority
The federal government has increased funding to $6.6 million for the Lakes Entrance road safety upgrade, but Federal MP Darren Chester says state government delays continue to stall the vital project. - Over 350 attended Youth Agritech Expo, experiencing hands-on innovation and future opportunities in modern farming industry
More than 350 people joined East Gippsland's Youth Agritech Expo, where students explored hands-on agricultural innovations, from drones to driverless tractors, sparking fresh excitement about farming's high-tech, diverse, and innovative future. - Bass Coast Shire Council adopts 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, showcasing community achievements and future strategic direction
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, celebrating achievements, community progress, and the completion of the 2021 - 2025 Council Plan while setting a new strategic direction for 2025-2029. - Cowes Primary students visited Berninneit, meeting Mayor Halstead, exploring community spaces, learning about leadership and environment
Curious Cowes Primary students meet Mayor Halstead at Berninneit, exploring local government, community spaces and environmental leadership during community walk visit. - Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on draft 10-year open space strategy for future planning
Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, shaping a 10-year plan to guide investment, protect natural spaces, and enhance community wellbeing. Consultation closes Friday 3 October 2025. - Latrobe Valley residents invited to crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick
Latrobe Valley residents are invited to a free crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick on 6 November, hosted by Martin Cameron MP at the Morwell RSL. - David Littleproud urges Labor to deliver interest-free loans as farmers voice urgent drought forum concerns
Nationals leader David Littleproud says the Drought Forum reinforced urgent calls for interest-free farm loans, urging Labor to act swiftly as farmers face worsening hardship, particularly in South Australia's dairy industry. - Martin Cameron supports Tee Up for Mental Health Golf Day raising vital funds for Lifeline and Rotary
More than 150 golfers joined the Tee Up for Mental Health Golf Day in Traralgon, raising a record $30,000 for Lifeline Gippsland and Rotary's local mental health initiatives.
|
|
