UPDATE: In a surprising move, veteran MP Bob Katter has suggested that bored rugby league players should be armed with rifles to hunt feral animals in national parks during the off-season. This proposal was made during a parliamentary session on Wednesday, August 2023, immediately capturing attention for its unorthodox approach to pest control.
Katter, representing north Queensland, expressed concern that with the NRL grand final now over, around 1,000 north Queensland rugby league players are left with idle time. He argued that allowing these players to hunt feral pigs and toads would not only engage them but also help protect threatened species. “The idle mind is a devil’s workshop,” Katter stated, urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to consider this unique solution.
In response, Albanese acknowledged the seriousness of pest control in Australia, emphasizing the “real impact” invasive species have on wildlife. He handed the discussion over to Agriculture Minister Julie Collins, who outlined existing government policies aimed at addressing the spread of feral animals.
Katter is no stranger to controversial proposals. Throughout his nearly three-decade career in federal parliament, he has advocated for increased firearm access and management of dangerous animal populations, including crocodiles. His past suggestions even included safari-style croc hunting tours led by local Indigenous groups.
The 80-year-old MP has previously made headlines for his remarks during Australia’s gay marriage postal survey in 2017, where he shifted focus to more pressing local issues, such as wildlife safety in north Queensland. Just last month, he faced backlash for threatening a journalist during a media conference, an incident he did not apologize for.
This latest proposal by Katter has sparked a mix of intrigue and criticism, with many questioning the balance between recreational hunting and conservation efforts. As Australia grapples with the challenges posed by invasive species, Katter’s bold suggestion is sure to fuel ongoing debates about pest control and wildlife management.
What happens next? As the government evaluates existing pest control measures, the implications of Katter’s proposal for the rugby league community and wildlife management will be closely monitored. This story is developing, and further updates are expected as the debate unfolds in parliament and beyond.
Stay tuned for more urgent updates on this compelling issue that intersects sports, wildlife conservation, and public policy.
