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Tim Bull urges Labor government to stop costly brumby culling amid Parks Victoria job and funding cuts

Tim Bull urges Labor to halt costly brumby culling in East Gippsland, citing job losses, funding cuts, and greater threats from feral pigs, while advocating for more responsible taxpayer spending.

By news@gippsland - 17th November 2025 - Back to News

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, has called on the Labor Government to cease its brumby culling program, which is set to continue despite job and funding cuts in Parks Victoria. "The Department of Energy Environment and Climate Action has seen astronomical cuts to the budget, resulting in job losses locally, contract reductions and devastating blows to the pest plants and animal programs, but it is continuing with its very expensive horse shooting program."

Tim Bull supports brumby control, not eradication, highlighting tourism value, greater threats from feral animals, and government prioritising culling over local jobs and fiscal responsibility

Brumby policy dispute

Mr Bull said, "It beggars belief that when we have all these job losses, the government is continuing with a program in East Gippsland that the vast majority of locals do not want. Brumbies make up a very small population of the pest species in our state and national parks. Feral pigs, which do much more damage and are out of control with massively increased numbers need to be the focus."

Mr Bull said he supported brumby controls, but not eradication which was the government objective. "We have brumby sight-seeing tours and photographers and artists travelling to our region to capture the animals on canvas or photographs, but we don’t have that interest in pigs, wild dogs, sambar deer, foxes and rabbits."

Culling sparks criticism

Mr Bull added, "The pigs also pose a much more serious threat to our farming community. In Parliament I asked Minister Dimopoulos of the intentions with the brumby culling and he doubled down on the program, stating they ‘will continue to be removed from the Alpine National Park through targeted ground-shooting by professionals’."

"I find it disgraceful that at a time the government is looking for department efficiencies and after driving the state debt toward $196 billion dollars, it would rather shoot horses than preserve local jobs. Labor needs a lesson on how to spend the taxpayer’s money wisely and frugally," said Mr Bull.

Pictures from Tim Bull MP website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  East Gippsland Shire Council will consider proposed Raymond Island Ferry pass changes, including extra landowner passes, renter passes, and future consultation, aiming for fairer allocation and improved functionality from 2026/27.
• East Gippsland Water invites community feedback through annual customer satisfaction survey this October
  East Gippsland Water is inviting customers to complete its annual satisfaction survey, providing feedback on water quality, service, and community engagement. Responses will guide future improvements and participants can win a $100 bill credit.
• East Gippsland Water celebrates talented young artists in National Water Week Poster Competition 2025
  East Gippsland Water has announced winners of its National Water Week poster competition, celebrating young artists who showcased creativity and water conservation awareness under the theme "Water Heroes: Save Every Drop."
• East Gippsland Water launches new Voice of Customer program to enhance service through feedback
  East Gippsland Water has launched a new Voice of Customer program, inviting feedback via SMS surveys to guide service improvements, with participants eligible for monthly $50 water bill credits.
• East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors lead with vision, proving young voices shape community and lasting impact
  Eight months in, East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors are shaping the region's future, addressing key issues, leading projects, and gaining leadership skills that build confidence, community engagement, and long-term positive impact.
• East Gippsland residents invited to author talk on Pearl Bradshaw - Princess of Hotham on 10 September 2025
  Author Stephen Whiteside will present Pearl Bradshaw - Princess of Hotham, sharing remarkable stories of resilience, adventure, and history at special East Gippsland library talks on Wednesday 10 September.
• 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.
• 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.
• Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
  Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement.
• Gippsland to join European Union Program showcasing regional innovation in clean energy, tourism, agriculture and sustainable development
  Gippsland has been selected for a European Union research program, showcasing its leadership in clean energy, tourism, and agriculture while promoting international collaboration, innovation, and investment through the IURC initiative.
• Community feedback wanted on East Gippsland Draft Engagement Policy to strengthen participation in local decision-making
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy, inviting input through surveys, drop-in sessions, and stakeholder consultation to strengthen participation in decision-making processes.
• Gippsland showcases energy transition leadership to Australian Energy Infrastructure commissioner
  Gippsland showcased its clean energy transition during Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner Tony Mahar's three-day visit, highlighting coal, gas, wind, solar, storage, and community collaboration driving Victoria's evolving energy future.