A parliamentary committee is set to debate a controversial hunting bill in New South Wales (NSW), following a recent inquiry that has raised significant concerns about the proposed legislation. The inquiry, which involved over 2,600 participants, suggested that the bill lacks the necessary foundation and has drawn criticism for its potential implications on gun laws.
The committee’s recommendations, released on Friday, encourage Members of Parliament (MPs) to consider input from various stakeholders when discussing the bill. The proposal, led by Robert Borsak of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party, aims to establish a $7.9 million Conservation Hunting Authority that would represent the interests of licensed hunters. Critics have likened aspects of the bill to a “Trojan horse” for the gun lobby, suggesting that it could undermine existing regulations.
Chris Minns, the Premier of NSW, acknowledged the shifting support for the bill since its introduction. Although he initially pledged not to dilute gun laws, he has recently distanced himself from the legislation. “It’s been put up by a minor party… we just have to call it when we see it,” Minns stated during a press conference. His comments reflect a growing unease within his party regarding the bill’s implications.
The proposed authority would not only advocate for hunters but also provide recommendations on land management and the management of game and feral animals. This has evoked memories of the former Game Council, which was disbanded in 2013 due to governance issues and conflicts of interest. Critics contend that creating a new authority could replicate past mistakes.
Inquiry participants expressed mixed opinions on whether the proposed reforms would enhance pest control efforts. Suzie Fowler, Chief Science Officer of the RSPCA, argued that the term “conservation hunting” is merely a rebranding of hunting, intended to make the practice more acceptable to the public. She stated, “It’s putting a different name on something to try and dress it up in a way that perhaps is more palatable to the public.”
Concerns have also been raised about the potential establishment of a “right to hunt” in legislation, which some fear could lead to further erosion of existing protections. Walter Mikac, who lost his family in the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, criticized the proposal, asserting that hunting is already permitted in NSW and that the system has proven effective.
Some MPs, including Scott Barrett from the Nationals party, have voiced cautious support for the bill’s objectives but highlighted numerous issues revealed during the inquiry. Barrett noted that the allocated funds for the authority’s creation, alongside an additional $3.9 million to enhance hunting compliance and enforcement functions, do not address invasive species control, a major concern for environmental conservation.
Despite efforts by the Greens and the Animal Justice Party to raise these concerns, the committee, led by the Labor party, ultimately dismissed their proposals. As discussions continue, the fate of the hunting bill remains uncertain, with many watching closely to see how MPs will navigate the complex landscape of hunting regulations and public sentiment in the coming weeks.
