Animal advocates shoot down bill for enabling 'yahoos'
Environmentalists have opened fire on a bill which could pay recreational hunters for killing invasive pests, describing the plan as enabling a "fringe minority of men" to let loose.
A bill before NSW parliament aims to establish a Conservation Hunting Authority, with debate in the upper house taking place on Wednesday.
It would better enable "conservation hunting" on private and public land to control invasive animals, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Robert Borsak told parliament.
It would also recognise hunting as a cultural activity with social and economic benefits.
"It is about responsible conservation, ethical hunting and ensuring that our public lands are managed in a way that benefits everyone."
The proposed plan would introduce bounties for killing foxes, cats and feral pigs, which the authority could oversee, the MP explained.
But Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst described those partaking in such activities as a bunch of "yahoos".
"Recreational hunting is not about conservation," she said on Wednesday.
"This is a fringe minority of people in our society, predominantly men, who like to kill animals for so-called fun. It is a form of dangerous violence.
"Allowing yahoos with very limited training or experience to go out and shoot animals creates an unacceptable animal welfare risk."
Biodiversity Council director James Trezise said co-ordinated baiting and trapping as well as aerial culls are more effective at large-scale population reduction.
"Whilst recreational hunting is a perfectly valid hobby, it isn't an effective tool for invasive species management."
Victoria and the Northern Territory have well-regulated public land hunting programs which have delivered positive pest management results, Mr Borsak added.
The proposed hunting authority would comprise eight members, half of whom would be nominated by "prescribed hunting organisations".
It would represent the interests of licensed hunters, liaise on land management and make recommendations to ministers on game and feral animal management.
A new licence would be created for conservation hunters, aimed at training them in the use of night-vision technology and infrared scopes and allowing them to use suppressors on rifles.
Environment Minister Penny Sharpe defended the government's approach in trying to cull feral animal populations by any means necessary.
"Invasive species are one of the largest harms that occur to nature and to our ecosystems across our state - it is worth billions of dollars of harm," she told parliament.
"This is not going to solve our invasive species problem... but having more people with their shoulder to the wheel being in a position to take out feral animals wherever they are ... is something that just helps."
Environmentalists have opened fire on a bill which could pay recreational hunters for killing invasive pests, describing the plan as enabling a "fringe minority of men" to let loose.
A bill before NSW parliament aims to establish a Conservation Hunting Authority, with debate in the upper house taking place on Wednesday.
It would better enable "conservation hunting" on private and public land to control invasive animals, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Robert Borsak told parliament.
It would also recognise hunting as a cultural activity with social and economic benefits.
"It is about responsible conservation, ethical hunting and ensuring that our public lands are managed in a way that benefits everyone."
The proposed plan would introduce bounties for killing foxes, cats and feral pigs, which the authority could oversee, the MP explained.
But Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst described those partaking in such activities as a bunch of "yahoos".
"Recreational hunting is not about conservation," she said on Wednesday.
"This is a fringe minority of people in our society, predominantly men, who like to kill animals for so-called fun. It is a form of dangerous violence.
"Allowing yahoos with very limited training or experience to go out and shoot animals creates an unacceptable animal welfare risk."
Biodiversity Council director James Trezise said co-ordinated baiting and trapping as well as aerial culls are more effective at large-scale population reduction.
"Whilst recreational hunting is a perfectly valid hobby, it isn't an effective tool for invasive species management."
Victoria and the Northern Territory have well-regulated public land hunting programs which have delivered positive pest management results, Mr Borsak added.
The proposed hunting authority would comprise eight members, half of whom would be nominated by "prescribed hunting organisations".
It would represent the interests of licensed hunters, liaise on land management and make recommendations to ministers on game and feral animal management.
A new licence would be created for conservation hunters, aimed at training them in the use of night-vision technology and infrared scopes and allowing them to use suppressors on rifles.
Environment Minister Penny Sharpe defended the government's approach in trying to cull feral animal populations by any means necessary.
"Invasive species are one of the largest harms that occur to nature and to our ecosystems across our state - it is worth billions of dollars of harm," she told parliament.
"This is not going to solve our invasive species problem... but having more people with their shoulder to the wheel being in a position to take out feral animals wherever they are ... is something that just helps."
Environmentalists have opened fire on a bill which could pay recreational hunters for killing invasive pests, describing the plan as enabling a "fringe minority of men" to let loose.
A bill before NSW parliament aims to establish a Conservation Hunting Authority, with debate in the upper house taking place on Wednesday.
It would better enable "conservation hunting" on private and public land to control invasive animals, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Robert Borsak told parliament.
It would also recognise hunting as a cultural activity with social and economic benefits.
"It is about responsible conservation, ethical hunting and ensuring that our public lands are managed in a way that benefits everyone."
The proposed plan would introduce bounties for killing foxes, cats and feral pigs, which the authority could oversee, the MP explained.
But Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst described those partaking in such activities as a bunch of "yahoos".
"Recreational hunting is not about conservation," she said on Wednesday.
"This is a fringe minority of people in our society, predominantly men, who like to kill animals for so-called fun. It is a form of dangerous violence.
"Allowing yahoos with very limited training or experience to go out and shoot animals creates an unacceptable animal welfare risk."
Biodiversity Council director James Trezise said co-ordinated baiting and trapping as well as aerial culls are more effective at large-scale population reduction.
"Whilst recreational hunting is a perfectly valid hobby, it isn't an effective tool for invasive species management."
Victoria and the Northern Territory have well-regulated public land hunting programs which have delivered positive pest management results, Mr Borsak added.
The proposed hunting authority would comprise eight members, half of whom would be nominated by "prescribed hunting organisations".
It would represent the interests of licensed hunters, liaise on land management and make recommendations to ministers on game and feral animal management.
A new licence would be created for conservation hunters, aimed at training them in the use of night-vision technology and infrared scopes and allowing them to use suppressors on rifles.
Environment Minister Penny Sharpe defended the government's approach in trying to cull feral animal populations by any means necessary.
"Invasive species are one of the largest harms that occur to nature and to our ecosystems across our state - it is worth billions of dollars of harm," she told parliament.
"This is not going to solve our invasive species problem... but having more people with their shoulder to the wheel being in a position to take out feral animals wherever they are ... is something that just helps."
Environmentalists have opened fire on a bill which could pay recreational hunters for killing invasive pests, describing the plan as enabling a "fringe minority of men" to let loose.
A bill before NSW parliament aims to establish a Conservation Hunting Authority, with debate in the upper house taking place on Wednesday.
It would better enable "conservation hunting" on private and public land to control invasive animals, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Robert Borsak told parliament.
It would also recognise hunting as a cultural activity with social and economic benefits.
"It is about responsible conservation, ethical hunting and ensuring that our public lands are managed in a way that benefits everyone."
The proposed plan would introduce bounties for killing foxes, cats and feral pigs, which the authority could oversee, the MP explained.
But Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst described those partaking in such activities as a bunch of "yahoos".
"Recreational hunting is not about conservation," she said on Wednesday.
"This is a fringe minority of people in our society, predominantly men, who like to kill animals for so-called fun. It is a form of dangerous violence.
"Allowing yahoos with very limited training or experience to go out and shoot animals creates an unacceptable animal welfare risk."
Biodiversity Council director James Trezise said co-ordinated baiting and trapping as well as aerial culls are more effective at large-scale population reduction.
"Whilst recreational hunting is a perfectly valid hobby, it isn't an effective tool for invasive species management."
Victoria and the Northern Territory have well-regulated public land hunting programs which have delivered positive pest management results, Mr Borsak added.
The proposed hunting authority would comprise eight members, half of whom would be nominated by "prescribed hunting organisations".
It would represent the interests of licensed hunters, liaise on land management and make recommendations to ministers on game and feral animal management.
A new licence would be created for conservation hunters, aimed at training them in the use of night-vision technology and infrared scopes and allowing them to use suppressors on rifles.
Environment Minister Penny Sharpe defended the government's approach in trying to cull feral animal populations by any means necessary.
"Invasive species are one of the largest harms that occur to nature and to our ecosystems across our state - it is worth billions of dollars of harm," she told parliament.
"This is not going to solve our invasive species problem... but having more people with their shoulder to the wheel being in a position to take out feral animals wherever they are ... is something that just helps."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- The Advertiser
Animal advocates shoot down bill for enabling 'yahoos'
Environmentalists have opened fire on a bill which could pay recreational hunters for killing invasive pests, describing the plan as enabling a "fringe minority of men" to let loose. A bill before NSW parliament aims to establish a Conservation Hunting Authority, with debate in the upper house taking place on Wednesday. It would better enable "conservation hunting" on private and public land to control invasive animals, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Robert Borsak told parliament. It would also recognise hunting as a cultural activity with social and economic benefits. "It is about responsible conservation, ethical hunting and ensuring that our public lands are managed in a way that benefits everyone." The proposed plan would introduce bounties for killing foxes, cats and feral pigs, which the authority could oversee, the MP explained. But Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst described those partaking in such activities as a bunch of "yahoos". "Recreational hunting is not about conservation," she said on Wednesday. "This is a fringe minority of people in our society, predominantly men, who like to kill animals for so-called fun. It is a form of dangerous violence. "Allowing yahoos with very limited training or experience to go out and shoot animals creates an unacceptable animal welfare risk." Biodiversity Council director James Trezise said co-ordinated baiting and trapping as well as aerial culls are more effective at large-scale population reduction. "Whilst recreational hunting is a perfectly valid hobby, it isn't an effective tool for invasive species management." Victoria and the Northern Territory have well-regulated public land hunting programs which have delivered positive pest management results, Mr Borsak added. The proposed hunting authority would comprise eight members, half of whom would be nominated by "prescribed hunting organisations". It would represent the interests of licensed hunters, liaise on land management and make recommendations to ministers on game and feral animal management. A new licence would be created for conservation hunters, aimed at training them in the use of night-vision technology and infrared scopes and allowing them to use suppressors on rifles. Environment Minister Penny Sharpe defended the government's approach in trying to cull feral animal populations by any means necessary. "Invasive species are one of the largest harms that occur to nature and to our ecosystems across our state - it is worth billions of dollars of harm," she told parliament. "This is not going to solve our invasive species problem... but having more people with their shoulder to the wheel being in a position to take out feral animals wherever they are ... is something that just helps." Environmentalists have opened fire on a bill which could pay recreational hunters for killing invasive pests, describing the plan as enabling a "fringe minority of men" to let loose. A bill before NSW parliament aims to establish a Conservation Hunting Authority, with debate in the upper house taking place on Wednesday. It would better enable "conservation hunting" on private and public land to control invasive animals, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Robert Borsak told parliament. It would also recognise hunting as a cultural activity with social and economic benefits. "It is about responsible conservation, ethical hunting and ensuring that our public lands are managed in a way that benefits everyone." The proposed plan would introduce bounties for killing foxes, cats and feral pigs, which the authority could oversee, the MP explained. But Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst described those partaking in such activities as a bunch of "yahoos". "Recreational hunting is not about conservation," she said on Wednesday. "This is a fringe minority of people in our society, predominantly men, who like to kill animals for so-called fun. It is a form of dangerous violence. "Allowing yahoos with very limited training or experience to go out and shoot animals creates an unacceptable animal welfare risk." Biodiversity Council director James Trezise said co-ordinated baiting and trapping as well as aerial culls are more effective at large-scale population reduction. "Whilst recreational hunting is a perfectly valid hobby, it isn't an effective tool for invasive species management." Victoria and the Northern Territory have well-regulated public land hunting programs which have delivered positive pest management results, Mr Borsak added. The proposed hunting authority would comprise eight members, half of whom would be nominated by "prescribed hunting organisations". It would represent the interests of licensed hunters, liaise on land management and make recommendations to ministers on game and feral animal management. A new licence would be created for conservation hunters, aimed at training them in the use of night-vision technology and infrared scopes and allowing them to use suppressors on rifles. Environment Minister Penny Sharpe defended the government's approach in trying to cull feral animal populations by any means necessary. "Invasive species are one of the largest harms that occur to nature and to our ecosystems across our state - it is worth billions of dollars of harm," she told parliament. "This is not going to solve our invasive species problem... but having more people with their shoulder to the wheel being in a position to take out feral animals wherever they are ... is something that just helps." Environmentalists have opened fire on a bill which could pay recreational hunters for killing invasive pests, describing the plan as enabling a "fringe minority of men" to let loose. A bill before NSW parliament aims to establish a Conservation Hunting Authority, with debate in the upper house taking place on Wednesday. It would better enable "conservation hunting" on private and public land to control invasive animals, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Robert Borsak told parliament. It would also recognise hunting as a cultural activity with social and economic benefits. "It is about responsible conservation, ethical hunting and ensuring that our public lands are managed in a way that benefits everyone." The proposed plan would introduce bounties for killing foxes, cats and feral pigs, which the authority could oversee, the MP explained. But Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst described those partaking in such activities as a bunch of "yahoos". "Recreational hunting is not about conservation," she said on Wednesday. "This is a fringe minority of people in our society, predominantly men, who like to kill animals for so-called fun. It is a form of dangerous violence. "Allowing yahoos with very limited training or experience to go out and shoot animals creates an unacceptable animal welfare risk." Biodiversity Council director James Trezise said co-ordinated baiting and trapping as well as aerial culls are more effective at large-scale population reduction. "Whilst recreational hunting is a perfectly valid hobby, it isn't an effective tool for invasive species management." Victoria and the Northern Territory have well-regulated public land hunting programs which have delivered positive pest management results, Mr Borsak added. The proposed hunting authority would comprise eight members, half of whom would be nominated by "prescribed hunting organisations". It would represent the interests of licensed hunters, liaise on land management and make recommendations to ministers on game and feral animal management. A new licence would be created for conservation hunters, aimed at training them in the use of night-vision technology and infrared scopes and allowing them to use suppressors on rifles. Environment Minister Penny Sharpe defended the government's approach in trying to cull feral animal populations by any means necessary. "Invasive species are one of the largest harms that occur to nature and to our ecosystems across our state - it is worth billions of dollars of harm," she told parliament. "This is not going to solve our invasive species problem... but having more people with their shoulder to the wheel being in a position to take out feral animals wherever they are ... is something that just helps." Environmentalists have opened fire on a bill which could pay recreational hunters for killing invasive pests, describing the plan as enabling a "fringe minority of men" to let loose. A bill before NSW parliament aims to establish a Conservation Hunting Authority, with debate in the upper house taking place on Wednesday. It would better enable "conservation hunting" on private and public land to control invasive animals, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Robert Borsak told parliament. It would also recognise hunting as a cultural activity with social and economic benefits. "It is about responsible conservation, ethical hunting and ensuring that our public lands are managed in a way that benefits everyone." The proposed plan would introduce bounties for killing foxes, cats and feral pigs, which the authority could oversee, the MP explained. But Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst described those partaking in such activities as a bunch of "yahoos". "Recreational hunting is not about conservation," she said on Wednesday. "This is a fringe minority of people in our society, predominantly men, who like to kill animals for so-called fun. It is a form of dangerous violence. "Allowing yahoos with very limited training or experience to go out and shoot animals creates an unacceptable animal welfare risk." Biodiversity Council director James Trezise said co-ordinated baiting and trapping as well as aerial culls are more effective at large-scale population reduction. "Whilst recreational hunting is a perfectly valid hobby, it isn't an effective tool for invasive species management." Victoria and the Northern Territory have well-regulated public land hunting programs which have delivered positive pest management results, Mr Borsak added. The proposed hunting authority would comprise eight members, half of whom would be nominated by "prescribed hunting organisations". It would represent the interests of licensed hunters, liaise on land management and make recommendations to ministers on game and feral animal management. A new licence would be created for conservation hunters, aimed at training them in the use of night-vision technology and infrared scopes and allowing them to use suppressors on rifles. Environment Minister Penny Sharpe defended the government's approach in trying to cull feral animal populations by any means necessary. "Invasive species are one of the largest harms that occur to nature and to our ecosystems across our state - it is worth billions of dollars of harm," she told parliament. "This is not going to solve our invasive species problem... but having more people with their shoulder to the wheel being in a position to take out feral animals wherever they are ... is something that just helps."
The Age
3 days ago
- The Age
Silencers, night vision and cultural hunting: Shooters Party reveals its demands
A new state body to manage 'conservation hunting' would recognise 'cultural hunting' among Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike, and encourage recreational shooters to use silencers and night vision technology to kill pest species, under a proposal now being considered by the Minns government. Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party leader Robert Borsak said the proposed council of seven members – four of whom would be nominated by shooters organisations – would operate under the oversight of a newly appointed hunting minister. It would take on some of the responsibilities of the Game Council of NSW, which was abolished after a scathing report into its operations in 2013. Then-premier Barry O'Farrell said at the time: 'Essentially it made the point that the Game Council was both the promoter and the operator in relation to hunting activities across NSW as well as the regulator. That posed an unacceptable risk to the government.' Under the latest proposal, the new body would have less control over revenues from licensing than the Game Council had, but according to a briefing paper on the changes written by the Shooters Party and provided to some NSW MPs, it would oversee licensing and policy development. 'The bill supports a new licensing framework, including a proposed Conservation Hunting Licence, to manage ethical public land access and encourages the use of advanced technology (e.g. night vision, thermal scopes, sound moderators) for humane and efficient pest control on private land,' the briefing paper says. Loading It would also create bounties for pest animals such as pigs, feral cats and foxes, providing what it said was a cost-effective way to support government-funded pest control. Borsak said the proposed changes would also increase access to Crown land for hunters, but could not say which land. He said he understood the government would support the proposal. A spokesperson for Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said the bill would go through 'internal party processes this morning'. The O'Farrell government called for a report into the original Game Council after its chief executive was arrested for illegally hunting on private land. He was later convicted of illegal hunting and firearms charges.
Sydney Morning Herald
3 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Silencers, night vision and cultural hunting: Shooters Party reveals its demands
A new state body to manage 'conservation hunting' would recognise 'cultural hunting' among Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike, and encourage recreational shooters to use silencers and night vision technology to kill pest species, under a proposal now being considered by the Minns government. Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party leader Robert Borsak said the proposed council of seven members – four of whom would be nominated by shooters organisations – would operate under the oversight of a newly appointed hunting minister. It would take on some of the responsibilities of the Game Council of NSW, which was abolished after a scathing report into its operations in 2013. Then-premier Barry O'Farrell said at the time: 'Essentially it made the point that the Game Council was both the promoter and the operator in relation to hunting activities across NSW as well as the regulator. That posed an unacceptable risk to the government.' Under the latest proposal, the new body would have less control over revenues from licensing than the Game Council had, but according to a briefing paper on the changes written by the Shooters Party and provided to some NSW MPs, it would oversee licensing and policy development. 'The bill supports a new licensing framework, including a proposed Conservation Hunting Licence, to manage ethical public land access and encourages the use of advanced technology (e.g. night vision, thermal scopes, sound moderators) for humane and efficient pest control on private land,' the briefing paper says. Loading It would also create bounties for pest animals such as pigs, feral cats and foxes, providing what it said was a cost-effective way to support government-funded pest control. Borsak said the proposed changes would also increase access to Crown land for hunters, but could not say which land. He said he understood the government would support the proposal. A spokesperson for Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said the bill would go through 'internal party processes this morning'. The O'Farrell government called for a report into the original Game Council after its chief executive was arrested for illegally hunting on private land. He was later convicted of illegal hunting and firearms charges.
