February 2, 2021
The Age (paywall) is reporting on a poll which, despite using leading questions, seems to show an increase in support for sustainable duck hunting amongst Victorians.
The poll was commissioned by the Animal Justice Party (AJP) and conducted by uComms - a polling company which is co-owned by the CFMMEU, of which AJP MP Andy Meddick is a proud and prominent member.
Despite what ought to have been very favourable conditions for the AJP, the poll indicates that community sentiment seems to be shifting towards more support for regulated, sustainable duck hunting.
The AJP poll shows 58.5% support for a ban on duck hunting. A previous poll, conducted by Roy Morgan on behalf of Laurie Levy’s Coalition Against Duck Shooting in 2007, (and cited regularly by animal rights activists since) reported that at least 75% of Victorians supported a ban. That’s a reduction in support for the animal rights movement's campaign of 16% over the past fourteen years.
Amongst metropolitan based voters the drift away from supporting a ban in duck hunting was even more pronounced, with the 2007 poll estimating 91% in favour of a ban and the AJP poll reporting that number has declined a whopping 32% to just 58.5%.
The Victorian Government has reiterated its support for regulated duck hunting “We recognise there are strong views in the Victorian community both in favour of or against recreational game hunting,” a spokeswoman said.
“However, the government supports safe, responsible and sustainable hunting. It’s the government’s expectation that hunters abide by the conditions attached to their licence and to act safely and responsibly at all times when hunting.”
There are also indications of a softening in the positions of Government MP’s who had previously been strongly opposed to duck hunting.
When the season was announced last year, Melton MP Steve McGhie, and Pascoe Vale MP Lizzie Blandthorn who led a push at the 2019 Labor state conference for the caucus to review wildlife hunting, said they were “disappointed” the season had been called.
The review has been delayed, possibly due to the coronavirus pandemic, Mr McGhie said on Monday.
“I supported the motion for a review and it’s time for that review,” he said.
“It’s just a review, we’re not calling for an outright ban … and I’ve always said I’ll wear the outcome of the review.”
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