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Andrews Labor government uses Duck Inquiry to justify its end game to ban duck hunting say Melina Bath

The final report on Victoria's bird hunting inquiry has sparked controversy. The Nationals oppose a proposed duck hunting ban, citing habitat as the primary factor affecting duck populations, not hunting.

By news@gippsland - 31st August 2023 - Back to News

The final report in the Inquiry into Victoria's Recreational Native Bird Hunting Arrangements has been released. The Nationals MP and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Public Land Use Melina Bath said there is no logical reason to ban duck hunting in Victoria given the overwhelming evidence that habitat is the key to duck populations, not hunting.

The Nationals emphasise the economic contributions and responsible nature of hunting and call on the Andrews government to reject the biased report

Bias against hunting

Ms Bath said, "Instead of recognising the positive effect hunters have on conserving wetland habitats; the Committee recommended the cessation of native bird hunting in Victoria for all individuals of non-Aboriginal descent."

"The Labor, Greens and Animal Justice Party alliance used their numbers to stack the Committee and recommend banning duck hunting despite scientific evidence revealing hunters do not adversely impact waterbird population."

"This Inquiry has been driven by ideological and political purposes to pay back for support for other issues in the Upper House. Independent ecologists' clearly stated that under an interim adaptive harvest model, duck hunting is sustainable," Ms Bath said.

Hunter conservation contribution

Ms Bath also said, "The Nationals reject the biased and ideologically driven report. In contrast, The Nationals' Minority Report supports hunting and focuses on sound science, something the Committee report blatantly ignores. The Inquiry was a missed opportunity to acknowledge the work of volunteer hunter conservationists who have for decades restored wetland habitats."

"In the past 12 months Field and Game members have contributed half a million dollars in volunteer hours completing conservation projects. Hunters are intrinsically connected to the land, a fact highlighted by Dja Dja Wurrung elder Rod Carter in evidence."

"I think more broadly about the importance of being a hunter - a hunter as such holding a very significant place within society, within a family, as a provider of sustenance to people. We also describe the importance for us as First Nations people - but extending that to us all as humans," she said.

Support for hunters

Ms Bath said she wholeheartedly agreed with Trevor Williams Mining and Energy Union Victorian District President who said any move to ban hunting was "the thin edge of the wedge". "People who enjoy traditional outdoor pursuits have every right to ask - what will be next? The Nationals stand with law-abiding hunters and recognise their conservation efforts."

"Hunting, like fishing, is a legitimate outdoor activity that harvests food from nature, and it injects millions into our regional economy. It is a well-regulated activity, undertaken in a safe and responsible way by tens of thousands of Victorians. The Andrews government must listen to the science, ignore the ideology and reject this bias and flawed report, Ms Bath concluded.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Have Your Say on Wonthaggi structure plan review aiming to guide growth, community needs and opportunities
  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing the Wonthaggi Structure Plan. Have your say on the town's growth, housing, jobs, heritage, and future opportunities to help shape Wonthaggi as Bass Coast regional hub.
• Darren Chester supports reforming the Coalition to unite Liberals and Nationals and deliver stronger government for Australia
  Darren Chester welcomes the re-formed Coalition, united to hold Labor to account, focus on cost of living, families, regions and security, and develop sensible policies for a safer, stronger, fairer Australia.
• 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.
• Danny O’Brien says South Gippsland Highway receives constant patch-ups instead of proper, long-term investment
  Danny O’Brien criticises South Gippsland Highway constant patch-ups, highlighting 169 maintenance tasks since July, calling for proper investment and long-term repairs instead of short-term, wasteful fixes by the Labor government.
• Have your say on East Gippsland public toilets review until 9 February 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council invites residents and visitors to share feedback on Council-managed public toilets, helping improve cleanliness, accessibility, and maintenance through its Public Amenities Service Review, open until February 2026.
• Gippsland CFA volunteers still wait for critical fire station upgrades amid $55M Labor funding cuts
  Gippsland CFA volunteers face years-long delays for safe, modern fire stations as Labor cuts $55 million, reducing equipment, compensation, and infrastructure, putting communities at risk and demanding urgent funding.
• Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades boost tourism, safety, and local businesses with $3.8M government support
  Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades, supported by $3.8 million government funding, improve safety, accessibility, tourism, and local business, while celebrating Indigenous culture and supporting bushfire-affected communities.
• Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, bike parking, greenery, and Victorian government investment
  Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, signage, parking, bike facilities, greenery, and $200,000 Victorian government investment, creating jobs and enhancing experiences for locals and visitors.
• Regional all abilities participation grants is now open to boost inclusive sports opportunities for people with disability in regional communities
  The Allan Labor government's Regional All Abilities Participation Grants offer up to $25,000 for clubs to boost disability inclusion through equipment, training, travel support, and all-abilities sports programs.
• East Gippsland Council adopts 2024-25 Annual Report, highlighting achievements, advocacy, investment, and community-focused service delivery
  East Gippsland Shire Council has adopted its 2024-25 Annual Report, highlighting achievements in service delivery, infrastructure, advocacy, bushfire recovery, and community resilience while addressing cost-of-living and housing challenges.
• Omeo tourism report and investment prospectus highlight opportunities for growth and visitor experiences
  The newly released Omeo Tourism Ecosystem Mapping Report and Investment Prospectus highlight opportunities for investors, showcasing growth potential in hospitality, services, visitor experiences, and adventure tourism in Victoria’s alpine region.
• 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.
• Danny O'Brien warns faulty firefighting vehicles are leaving local CFA Brigades under pressure ahead of bushfire season
  Danny O'Brien has criticised the Allan Labor government for failing to repair faulty firefighting vehicles, warning the issue is placing pressure on CFA brigades and reducing Gippsland's preparedness for bushfire season.
• West Gippsland CMA’s annual report showcases environmental achievements from mountain headwaters to coastal waters
  West Gippsland CMA’s Annual Report highlights major 2024–25 achievements restoring rivers, wetlands and habitats, supporting communities, protecting wildlife, and strengthening catchment health from mountain headwaters to the coast.
• Darren Chester urges federal support for forest scientists making Australia's sustainable native hardwood timber industry
  Darren Chester has urged the Albanese government to support credible forest scientists backing Australia's sustainable native hardwood timber industry, criticising activist influence and government bans harming regional jobs and communities.