Duck hunting
Mr MEDDICK (Western Victoria) (12:20): My question is for the Minister for Agriculture in the other place. Once again I rise in this place absolutely appalled that this government, which is usually a progressive government, has acted against science, public opinion and environmental and animal protections. Yes, last week the government called a full-length duck-shooting season. This year’s season is 90 days long. Yes, you heard that right: 90 days—90 days of brutal wildlife slaughter. To put it into perspective, last year’s duck-shooting season was only 20 days. It gave animal advocates like me some faith that we were edging towards a ban with reduced seasons and bag limits. Minister, what is the justification for calling such a long duck-shooting season when native waterbird numbers are at record lows?
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:21): I thank Mr Meddick for his question and his ongoing commitment to the position that he adopts. This is a matter, as he cited, for the Minister for Agriculture. It will be referred to her, and I am sure that she will respond.
Mr MEDDICK (Western Victoria) (12:21): Thank you, Minister, for forwarding that on. I look forward to the reply. For a supplementary, we know that there are hundreds of bodies of water across this state where duck shooting can take place. With a full-length season called, how does the government intend to ensure that compliance is monitored when there are only a handful of officers dedicated to that task?
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (12:22): I thank Mr Meddick for his question. Again, I will refer this very operational matter to the Minister for Agriculture for her response.