Wednesday, 8 February 2023

 Ellen SANDELL (Melbourne) (09:52): At the beginning of every new year I receive hundreds and hundreds of emails from people in great distress about the looming beginning of duck-shooting season in Victoria, and this year was no different. I received hundreds of emails from distressed and compassionate community members who simply cannot believe that Victoria still allows and encourages the killing of our native waterbirds for fun, especially when so many other states have banned it. The devastating flooding that occurred across the state last year had an impact on our wildlife and habitat. Ducks were no exception. An aerial survey showed that six of the eight duck species targeted during shooting season are in long-term population decline, and we have seen proof that endangered species are regularly killed during duck-shooting season each year.

I was heartened to hear rumours that the government are possibly considering banning duck shooting ahead of this year’s season. I would like to once again add my voice to the calls for an end to this barbaric practice. Polling shows that an overwhelming majority of Victorians agree that duck shooting should be banned. Will this be the year – 2023 – that the government finally listens to experts and the community? Please let us hope so. The Greens will keep fighting for our wildlife until this government bans duck shooting.