Animal advocates shoot down bill for enabling 'yahoos'
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."
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"It means I am navigating pregnancy and a chronic illness, and because of a range of antibodies I am positive for, I am officially in the high-risk category. "It's weekly hospital visits for the time being. and I am so grateful to the incredibly kind, reassuring and supportive medical care I've been receiving." The couple shared their appreciation for their support networks and staff, and asked for privacy as the pregnancy continues. "I know that two members from two different parliaments having a baby is a bit unique, and there is bound to be interest in it," Ms Purcell said. "While we are indeed in public life, pregnancy is an incredibly personal experience, so l ask that we're granted respect and privacy just like anybody else," she said. "But l do look forward to sharing the parts with you that we are willing to share." Victorian Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell will welcome a baby girl with federal Labor politician Josh Burns, as the pair announced their "exciting" plans for 2026. The couple, who were first seen publicly together at the 2024 Midwinter Ball in Canberra, shared plans to expand their family while continuing to hold office. "Next year, my team and I will keep working hard for the community we love, but I also plan on being a present and involved dad every step of the way," Mr Burns said on social media. Ms Purcell, 33, represents the Northern Victoria Region seat in the state parliament, a region that reaches from Mildura in the state's north west to Bendigo in Central Victoria and Wodonga in the north east. She said she plans to seek reelection for her upper house seat in the state election, which is expected to be held in November next year. "Some people might be wondering if I'll still be contesting the state election in 2026. Absolutely, yes," Ms Purcell said. "I'll be working right up until the end of the parliamentary year, and I'll return to sitting weeks as usual in February, with every intention to campaign and contest the 2026 election," she said. "I am more committed to animals, people and the planet than ever before. This is just one more path I am choosing. "And I am ready to call out any suggestion otherwise. Not just for me, but for everybody else who may face conscious or unconscious bias when choosing to have a career and a family." The baby will be Mr Burns' second child, as he has a daughter, Tia, from a previous relationship. "Our little baby already has the most excited and loving big sister in Tia. And she'll have a home full of animals, love, and fun," Mr Burns said. Ms Purcell, an advocate for bodily autonomy, said that she was "grateful" to have been able to choose when she was ready to welcome a child. "As I prepare for motherhood (beyond cats, dogs, horses and sheep), I carry with me the stories of my abortions," she said. "They are not only part of my advocacy as a politician, but also part of who I am. "I am more grateful than ever before to have had access to choice so that I could do this on my own terms and timeline, and will always fight for everybody to have the same." The Animal Justice Party MP said that she was navigating a complex pregnancy that placed her in a "high-risk" category. "This is obviously a vegan pregnancy (and baby!) and I've been feeling good, which has let me keep pace with sitting weeks, late nights, international travel, community events and the general silliness of this job," Ms Purcell said. "But this new life stage hasn't been without challenges, some of you will have seen me talk in the past about my autoimmune disease," she said. "It means I am navigating pregnancy and a chronic illness, and because of a range of antibodies I am positive for, I am officially in the high-risk category. "It's weekly hospital visits for the time being. and I am so grateful to the incredibly kind, reassuring and supportive medical care I've been receiving." The couple shared their appreciation for their support networks and staff, and asked for privacy as the pregnancy continues. "I know that two members from two different parliaments having a baby is a bit unique, and there is bound to be interest in it," Ms Purcell said. "While we are indeed in public life, pregnancy is an incredibly personal experience, so l ask that we're granted respect and privacy just like anybody else," she said. "But l do look forward to sharing the parts with you that we are willing to share." Victorian Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell will welcome a baby girl with federal Labor politician Josh Burns, as the pair announced their "exciting" plans for 2026. The couple, who were first seen publicly together at the 2024 Midwinter Ball in Canberra, shared plans to expand their family while continuing to hold office. "Next year, my team and I will keep working hard for the community we love, but I also plan on being a present and involved dad every step of the way," Mr Burns said on social media. Ms Purcell, 33, represents the Northern Victoria Region seat in the state parliament, a region that reaches from Mildura in the state's north west to Bendigo in Central Victoria and Wodonga in the north east. She said she plans to seek reelection for her upper house seat in the state election, which is expected to be held in November next year. "Some people might be wondering if I'll still be contesting the state election in 2026. Absolutely, yes," Ms Purcell said. "I'll be working right up until the end of the parliamentary year, and I'll return to sitting weeks as usual in February, with every intention to campaign and contest the 2026 election," she said. "I am more committed to animals, people and the planet than ever before. This is just one more path I am choosing. "And I am ready to call out any suggestion otherwise. Not just for me, but for everybody else who may face conscious or unconscious bias when choosing to have a career and a family." The baby will be Mr Burns' second child, as he has a daughter, Tia, from a previous relationship. "Our little baby already has the most excited and loving big sister in Tia. And she'll have a home full of animals, love, and fun," Mr Burns said. Ms Purcell, an advocate for bodily autonomy, said that she was "grateful" to have been able to choose when she was ready to welcome a child. "As I prepare for motherhood (beyond cats, dogs, horses and sheep), I carry with me the stories of my abortions," she said. "They are not only part of my advocacy as a politician, but also part of who I am. "I am more grateful than ever before to have had access to choice so that I could do this on my own terms and timeline, and will always fight for everybody to have the same." The Animal Justice Party MP said that she was navigating a complex pregnancy that placed her in a "high-risk" category. "This is obviously a vegan pregnancy (and baby!) and I've been feeling good, which has let me keep pace with sitting weeks, late nights, international travel, community events and the general silliness of this job," Ms Purcell said. "But this new life stage hasn't been without challenges, some of you will have seen me talk in the past about my autoimmune disease," she said. "It means I am navigating pregnancy and a chronic illness, and because of a range of antibodies I am positive for, I am officially in the high-risk category. "It's weekly hospital visits for the time being. and I am so grateful to the incredibly kind, reassuring and supportive medical care I've been receiving." The couple shared their appreciation for their support networks and staff, and asked for privacy as the pregnancy continues. "I know that two members from two different parliaments having a baby is a bit unique, and there is bound to be interest in it," Ms Purcell said. "While we are indeed in public life, pregnancy is an incredibly personal experience, so l ask that we're granted respect and privacy just like anybody else," she said. "But l do look forward to sharing the parts with you that we are willing to share." Victorian Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell will welcome a baby girl with federal Labor politician Josh Burns, as the pair announced their "exciting" plans for 2026. The couple, who were first seen publicly together at the 2024 Midwinter Ball in Canberra, shared plans to expand their family while continuing to hold office. "Next year, my team and I will keep working hard for the community we love, but I also plan on being a present and involved dad every step of the way," Mr Burns said on social media. Ms Purcell, 33, represents the Northern Victoria Region seat in the state parliament, a region that reaches from Mildura in the state's north west to Bendigo in Central Victoria and Wodonga in the north east. She said she plans to seek reelection for her upper house seat in the state election, which is expected to be held in November next year. "Some people might be wondering if I'll still be contesting the state election in 2026. Absolutely, yes," Ms Purcell said. "I'll be working right up until the end of the parliamentary year, and I'll return to sitting weeks as usual in February, with every intention to campaign and contest the 2026 election," she said. "I am more committed to animals, people and the planet than ever before. This is just one more path I am choosing. "And I am ready to call out any suggestion otherwise. Not just for me, but for everybody else who may face conscious or unconscious bias when choosing to have a career and a family." The baby will be Mr Burns' second child, as he has a daughter, Tia, from a previous relationship. "Our little baby already has the most excited and loving big sister in Tia. And she'll have a home full of animals, love, and fun," Mr Burns said. Ms Purcell, an advocate for bodily autonomy, said that she was "grateful" to have been able to choose when she was ready to welcome a child. "As I prepare for motherhood (beyond cats, dogs, horses and sheep), I carry with me the stories of my abortions," she said. "They are not only part of my advocacy as a politician, but also part of who I am. "I am more grateful than ever before to have had access to choice so that I could do this on my own terms and timeline, and will always fight for everybody to have the same." The Animal Justice Party MP said that she was navigating a complex pregnancy that placed her in a "high-risk" category. "This is obviously a vegan pregnancy (and baby!) and I've been feeling good, which has let me keep pace with sitting weeks, late nights, international travel, community events and the general silliness of this job," Ms Purcell said. "But this new life stage hasn't been without challenges, some of you will have seen me talk in the past about my autoimmune disease," she said. "It means I am navigating pregnancy and a chronic illness, and because of a range of antibodies I am positive for, I am officially in the high-risk category. "It's weekly hospital visits for the time being. and I am so grateful to the incredibly kind, reassuring and supportive medical care I've been receiving." The couple shared their appreciation for their support networks and staff, and asked for privacy as the pregnancy continues. "I know that two members from two different parliaments having a baby is a bit unique, and there is bound to be interest in it," Ms Purcell said. "While we are indeed in public life, pregnancy is an incredibly personal experience, so l ask that we're granted respect and privacy just like anybody else," she said. "But l do look forward to sharing the parts with you that we are willing to share."
