Committee considers future of native bird hunting in Victoria

9 May 2023 See hearing schedule

Watch Committee Chair Ryan Batchelor outline the next phase of the inquiry into Victoria's recreational native bird hunting arrangements.

A Select Committee is examining the input of thousands of people who’ve had their say on recreational native bird hunting in Victoria.

Submissions to the inquiry have closed and the public hearing schedule is being finalised.

‘Thank you to every one of you, for taking your time to share your views.'

Ryan Batchelor, Committee Chair

‘Our Committee is now carefully considering each of the submissions that have been made by individuals and organisations,’ he said.

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Committee Members attended the opening day of the 2023 duck hunting season at Lake Connewarre Game Reserve near Geelong on Wednesday 26 April.

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The visit to the wetlands allowed them to observe what happens on the ground and speak directly with representatives of the Game Management Authority, Field and Game Australia, hunters and wildlife rescuers.

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‘Over the next few months our Committee will hold public hearings involving key stakeholders, such as hunting associations, wildlife groups, academics and government agencies.’ Mr Batchelor said.

The inquiry was established in March 2023 to review the operation of annual bird hunting seasons.

It is also looking at arrangements in other Australian jurisdictions and the environmental sustainability of the practice, including its impact on amenity. The social and economic impacts are being assessed as well.

This Committee is required to report to parliament with findings and recommendations for the state government by 31 August 2023.

To keep up to date and see the public hearing schedule once it’s ready, go to the inquiry website.