I am appalled that the Victorian Government is allowing the 2025 recreational duck and quail shooting season to go ahead.
According to the latest Eastern Australia waterbird survey, waterbird numbers on the east coast of Australia have almost halved in the last 12 months due to a lack of rainfall decimating breeding habitats. Coupled with the serious threat of bird flu looming on our doorstep, permitting a full shooting season is nothing short of reckless.
The state government's policy contradictions when it comes to waterbirds are baffling. On one hand, millions of dollars are being spent to proactively protect wildlife against the catastrophic risks posed by the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, and on the other hand, the government is allowing hundreds of thousands of birds to be killed for fun.
As you know, one year ago the inquiry into native bird hunting attracted the largest public response in Victoria’s history, making clear that most Victorians oppose killing our precious wildlife for 'fun'. Premier Allan's decision to ignore the inquiry's recommendation and permit the 2025 season to appease less than 1% of our community has not only let down our native wildlife, but also let down the majority of voters like me who want to see wetlands, wildlife, and local communities protected.
For as long as recreational duck shooting is permitted by the Allan Government, wounded ducks will be left to suffer or endure cruel, ineffective killing techniques at the hands of shooters. Already diminishing populations will continue to be threatened, and threatened species will continue to be illegally shot by shooters thanks to ineffective licensing regimes.
When we finally see responsible leadership, and the end of duck shooting in Victoria, it will be celebrated not only statewide, but nationwide too.