Thursday, 30 July 2026

 Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (14:14): (1391) My question is for the Minister for Environment. Today H5N1 – bird flu – was detected in a greater crested tern in Portland. It is Victoria’s first confirmed case of this highly pathogenic and deadly disease. Leading waterbird scientists have consistently warned that this threat will place wildlife and native bird populations at significant risk. The government’s own data estimates that over half a million ducks are killed each recreational duck shooting season, with at least a further 20 per cent wounded and dying later. Forty years of data from the eastern Australian waterbird survey shows that native ducks are in long-term decline, and the spread of H5 could very well see native bird species go extinct. We need to do everything we possibly can to protect existing populations. While duck shooting may not have the largest impact, it is certainly the easiest to take away. Minister, will you be allowing the 2027 duck shooting season to go ahead in light of this case?

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Environment, Minister for Outdoor Recreation) (14:15): I thank Ms Purcell for her question and her interest in this matter. You are right: we did have confirmation earlier today when Dr Graeme Cooke, our chief veterinary officer, publicly announced that we have our first ever official detection of H5N1 avian influenza. We are one of the last jurisdictions in the world to have the H5N1 influenza reach our shores.

In relation to the duck season, I think I have been quite consistent as minister that our government will always prioritise protecting Victoria’s wildlife, wetlands and biodiversity through a science-based management system known as the adaptive harvest management model. Good environmental decisions depend on good advice. The current duck and quail season has now come to a conclusion, and we take our biosecurity risks and threats to our native wildlife seriously. I think the previous season that we have just endured has seen that there have been science-based decisions where we have identified risks, made closures as required, protected species as required and used other management measures when needed.

We will not hesitate, but at the same time I do not want to pre-empt what will happen in 2027. I will be guided by the experts, as we always are. I do not want to speculate on where we will be in 2027, but I will confirm that I will always be guided by the experts and we will be protecting our native wildlife.

 Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (14:17): I do think it is important to note that the adaptive harvest model is based on trends, not zoonotic diseases. However, volunteer wildlife rescuers will be critical to help the government monitor and respond to bird flu. They are the ones in the field transporting, reporting, monitoring and caring for unwell birds who have tested negative. Yet volunteer wildlife rescuers have been consistently let down by this government in terms of assistance, financial support, regulatory burden and of course shameful government policy that only increases harm upon native animals in our state and therefore their own workload. This will certainly be the case if the duck shooting season also proceeds next year. Considering the increased burden that will be placed on the volunteer network with bird flu in our state, what new support – not existing programs – will be provided towards this volunteer sector?

 Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Environment, Minister for Outdoor Recreation) (14:17): I thank Ms Purcell for her question and her passion on these matters. Wildlife carers and volunteers play an important role, particularly in surveillance and reporting, and they work very closely with our department, with DEECA. DEECA is currently directly engaging with the wildlife welfare sector and providing guidance on preparedness and biosecurity. We know there is an important role for us to partner with those organisations not just in terms of providing PPE equipment and training but also other opportunities to partner. The conservation regulator is also contacting shelters and carers in high-risk areas to provide updates, discuss preparedness and answer questions where required.

In relation to resourcing, we have already provided a range of resources to the wildlife sector, especially to members of the Wildlife Emergency Support Network. Historically our government has been a strong supporter over many environmental ministers, even before my time. I do note that your question is about resourcing going forward. What I can confirm – I will not be making an announcement today – is that there will be announcements forthcoming.