Tuesday, 30 May 2023

 Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:58): (200) My constituency question is for the Minister for Outdoor Recreation. Bow hunting – that is hunting with a bow and arrow – of introduced species such as foxes and deer is completely legal and unregulated in Victoria. Anyone can purchase a bow and arrow, no licence is required and the weapon is not required to be registered. My constituents, concerned wildlife carers, report an increase in the injuring and killing of native animals such as kangaroos through bow and arrow both intentionally and from misfire. I have now viewed countless images of kangaroos with arrows through all parts of their bodies and faces, some living in pain like this for weeks. This form of killing is banned in Tasmania, and South Australia has also committed to its cessation. My constituents want to know what the minister plans to do regarding the sale and use of bows and arrows in Victoria in order to protect native wildlife from further suffering and death.