Wednesday, 29 November 2023

 Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:11): (376) My question is for the Minister for Outdoor Recreation in the other place. My very first question this year was about recreational duck shooting, and since then a select committee formed by the government and chaired by the government has made a clear recommendation that recreational native bird hunting be banned on public and private land from 2024 onwards. While the government have until February to respond to the recommendations, we all know, and they know, this is simply far too close to when a season is legislated to commence in March. My final question for the year is this: why hasn’t the government responded to its own inquiry report and cancelled the 2024 duck-shooting season?

 Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:11): I thank Ms Purcell for her ongoing interest in this issue, and I will refer this matter to the Minister for Outdoor Recreation. It is a matter that the government has got six months to respond to, as with any other parliamentary inquiry, and I am sure that they will provide you with a response when they are ready.

 Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:12): I thank the minister for referring it on. I think it is important to note that the former Premier did estimate a three-month time frame. However, the committee made this recommendation for a ban for a number of reasons, including that nothing can be done to stop wounding entirely, meaning that as long as duck shooting continues it is guaranteed that thousands of birds will always be left to suffer and die. So noting the tight time frame, when will the government respond to this report?

 Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:13): Again, I believe that that is a repeat of the substantive question. Regardless, I will refer that matter to the appropriate minister.