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Andrews Labor government ban on duck hunting season continues to place uncertainty for the hunters

Duck hunting season is still uncertain to proceed this year.

By news@gippsland - 23rd January 2023 - Back to News

Responsible duck hunting is a critical part of tourism for many regional Victorian communities. Yet the Andrews Labor government continues to place uncertainty around whether the 2023 duck season will go ahead, leaving hunters - and the communities that rely on them - in limbo.

Peter Walsh once said, Labor's anti-hunting position is disappointing but hardly surprising as Daniel Andrews axed thousands of jobs in that industry

Victorians need transparency

Duck hunting contributes about $65 million to the $356 million recreational hunting industry which benefits local economies in regional Victoria, including:

• Mansfield
• East Gippsland
• Latrobe
• Horsham
• Gannawarra

Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Emma Kealy, said Victorians need transparency from the state government. "We saw the 2022 season announced quietly and only moments before it began, recreational hunters need certainty from a state government that is prepared to be upfront with Victorians about its priorities," Ms Kealy said.

Disregarding regional Victoria

Ms Kealy also said, "The fact the Andrews Labor government didn't head into the 2022 Victorian election with a clear stance on recreational duck hunting suggests the government wants to keep its agenda from regional Victorians who rely on the industry."

"A ban on duck hunting shows absolute disregard for regional Victoria and its reliance on vital tourism dollars. Labor needs to get its priorities in order and focus on repairing our crumbling regional roads, driving down the surgery waiting list and delivering solutions to the rising cost of living, not declaring war with recreational hunters to pander to inner-city voters." Ms Kealy concluded.

Pictures from Field & Game Australia Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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