Summary report highlights the importance of effective advocacy.

The panel conducting an Independent Review of the Victorian Wildlife Act has released a summary report from its consultation ahead of its final report to the Environment Minister later this year. ADA made a submission to the process and also presented directly to the panel. 

The summary highlights the wide range of views amongst various stakeholders on game hunting and demonstrates the extent to which misinformation and prejudice permeate the policy and political processes. 

The summary presents what could best be characterised as a confused narrative.

Statements like "...classifying animals as ‘game’ ...is not based on any scientific principle" appeared in the same paragraph as such illogical and unscientific gems as "...banning native duck hunting in Victoria would be consistent with bans in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia."

Perhaps our favourite amongst the smorgasbord of wackiness that the panel had to select from was a submission suggesting "prohibiting recreational deer hunting until their numbers are reduced". Yes, you read that right; the suggestion is to remove the one group responsible for most of the deer harvest "until their numbers are reduced". 

We will continue to advocate strongly on behalf of game management and game hunters. We remain hopeful that the panel will craft a meaningful and appropriate set of recommendations for the Minister.