UPDATE: Pressure is mounting on the New South Wales (NSW) government to scrap the proposed Conservation Hunting Bill 2025, as the Biodiversity Council warns of potential environmental and public safety risks. The council, composed of researchers from eleven universities, has made a significant submission to a parliamentary inquiry, demanding immediate action.
The proposed amendments to the Game and Feral Animal Legislation could prioritize hunting over crucial land management practices, according to the council. They argue that the bill lacks evidence supporting its central claim that recreational hunting effectively controls invasive species.
“This legislation risks putting the interests of hunters ahead of conservation, community safety, and cultural values,”
said Lis Ashby, Policy and Innovation Lead at the Biodiversity Council.
Concerns center on the bill establishing a ‘right to hunt,’ which could undermine public safety and local economies. The council warns that replacing the existing Game and Pest Management Advisory Board with a new Conservation Hunting Authority would favor hunting interests, further jeopardizing effective pest management strategies.
The Biodiversity Council’s submission highlights that bounty schemes, often touted as a solution, have proven ineffective and costly. Some studies suggest they can exacerbate feral animal problems rather than mitigate them, raising serious questions about the bill’s proposed methods.
“At times, hunters do help conservation,” noted Euan Ritchie from Deakin University. “However, recreational hunters killing a few animals here and there is nowhere near enough to manage pest populations effectively.”
The council is advocating for comprehensive, scientifically-backed methods, including aerial and ground-based culling, targeted poison baiting, and trapping, to achieve genuine population reductions. They emphasize that these strategies are proven to be effective in protecting native wildlife and habitats.
As the parliamentary inquiry progresses, the urgency for the NSW government to rethink this bill is growing. The council’s strong stance reflects widespread public concern over the implications of prioritizing hunting access over environmental stewardship.
Officials are expected to respond to the Biodiversity Council’s submission soon, making it critical for the public to remain informed about developments in this contentious issue. The future of conservation and community safety in NSW hangs in the balance.
