Wednesday, 3 June 2026

 Jeff BOURMAN (Eastern Victoria) (12:00): (1333) My question is for the Minister for Outdoor Recreation. Congratulations, and welcome to the portfolio and the war between me and AJP. With the establishment of Outdoor Recreation Victoria and its expanded focus on participation and regional economic development, what is the government doing to better leverage Victoria’s globally unique free-ranging hog deer population to grow international hunter tourism and deliver economic benefits for regional communities?

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Environment, Minister for Outdoor Recreation) (12:00): I thank Mr Bourman for his strong advocacy for recreational hunting, an important recreation that thousands of Victorians take part in. Victoria’s hog deer population is an internationally unique resource, and in fact Victoria is one of the few places in the world where wild hog deer can be legally hunted, making it highly sought after for experienced hunters from across the country. In fact people come internationally to Victoria for this.

Nick McGowan interjected.

Enver ERDOGAN: Our government recognises that well-managed hunting can deliver multiple benefits. It plays an important role in wildlife management. I know, Mr McGowan, you might not necessarily agree with it, but it does play an important role. It also generates significant economic activity for regional communities through visitor spending on accommodation, hospitality, fuel, equipment, transport and guiding services – a whole range of economic activity that it creates across our state. The annual hog deer season attracts hunters to Gippsland and other regional areas, providing an important boost to local businesses and supporting jobs in communities that rely on nature-based tourism and outdoor recreation.

Our existing regulatory framework is set up to allow this to occur, and I think Outdoor Recreation Victoria’s creation will amplify those opportunities for people to get outdoors and enjoy the outdoors and our nature. Our government recognises the unique value of Victoria’s hog deer resource and the important contribution it makes to regional economies, and we will continue to work with stakeholders and consider opportunities to maximise the economic and tourism benefits associated with hog deer hunting in our state. As the minister, I am committed to strengthening our reputation as a premier destination for outdoor recreation and sustainable hunting.

 Jeff BOURMAN (Eastern Victoria) (12:02): I thank the minister for his answer. Minister, Victoria already has a significant game-hunting sector supporting regional jobs and spending. When will the government release updated economic data or reporting on the contribution game hunting already makes to Victoria’s economy so that future opportunities can be properly measured?

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Environment, Minister for Outdoor Recreation) (12:02): I thank Mr Bourman for his supplementary question. We all know that game hunting makes a significant contribution to Victoria’s economy, supporting thousands of Victorians. There is a 2020 report on the economic contribution of recreational hunting, which finds that an estimated 69 per cent of the expenditure occurs in regional Victoria. I can confirm to the chamber that important work is being undertaken by DJSIR to get an update on the development of a report that will provide insights into sector’s contribution to gross state product as well as the number of jobs it supports across our state. The report is currently being finalised, so wait for it, and I look forward to receiving the report and considering its findings.