Tuesday, 29 October 2024

Bow hunting

Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:34): (706) My question is for the minister representing the Minister for Outdoor Recreation in the other place. Just last week in Lara a four-year-old family horse named Muffin was illegally shot in the leg with a bow and arrow. It caused Muffin to spook and to jump fences to run from her attackers, slicing up her entire body with injuries so severe that she had to be euthanised. Will the minister finally ban bow hunting, following the lead of the South Australian Labor government?

Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:34): I thank Ms Purcell for her question, and I will refer it to the relevant minister, who is Minister Dimopoulos, for a response.

Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:34): Thank you, Minister, for referring that on. The illegal bow hunting of animals is a regular occurrence in Victoria. Just a few weeks ago I raised in this place that a kangaroo was shot with an arrow through his head. While bow-and-arrow hunting is only legal on introduced species, the regulations on bow-and-arrow hunting are non-existent. There is no licence requirement, no ability to track the arrows and no age minimum for use. Neighbours allege that they saw three kids at the edge of this property that night. Children should not have access to these dangerous weapons. Will the minister at the very least regulate the purchasing of and tracking of bows and arrows in Victoria?

Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:35): Again I thank Ms Purcell for her supplementary question, which will be referred to the relevant minister.