Concerns held over the select committee being a stitch up

On Thursday evening, the Victorian Legislative Council voted to establish a select committee to investigate recreational native bird hunting in Victoria.

The Hon. Lizzie Blandthorn moved that:

1. a select committee of nine members be established to inquire into, consider and report by 31 August 2023 on Victoria’s recreational native bird hunting arrangements, including but not limited to —

(a) the operation of annual native bird hunting seasons;

(b) arrangements in other Australian jurisdictions;

(c) their environmental sustainability and impact on amenity;

(d) their social and economic impact;

(2) the committee will consist of three members from the Government nominated by the Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council, three members from the Liberal-National Coalition nominated by the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council and three members from among the remaining members in the Council;

(3) the members will be appointed by lodgement of the names with the President no later than 10 March 2023;

(4) the first meeting of the Committee will be held within one week of members’ names being lodged with the President; and

(5) the Committee may proceed to the despatch of business notwithstanding that all members have not been appointed and notwithstanding any vacancy.

Concerns have been raised that the committee’s makeup will effectively render this enquiry a fait accompli, particularly considering the previous commentary calling for the ban of recreational duck hunting by members of the Legislative Council.

The Australian Deer Association will continue to work with and support its fellow associations in the lead-up to and during the enquiry and keep its members updated on how they can provide assistance.