AN ALLIANCE of 43 conservation, animal welfare, naturalist groups and unions are calling for the state government to honour its commitment to reviewing recreational water bird shooting across Victoria.
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At the November 2019 state conference, party members voted overwhelmingly to review the future of bird shooting across the state, but almost 12 months later, nothing has been committed to.
Regional Victorians Opposed to Duck Shooting spokesperson Kerrie Allen said a joint call to arms which included the likes of Environment Victoria, Humane Society International and Australian Ethical Investment, the Australian Education Union (Victorian Branch), United Firefighters Union of Australia (Victorian branch) and Wildlife Victoria was hard to ignore.
"The combined membership and supporter base of this list is huge," Ms Allen said.
"It's indicative of the widespread opposition to an unpopular activity which is banned in other states for good reason.
"It's time the Victorian Labor party listened to its constituents instead of pandering to a loud minority who like to shoot our dwindling numbers of native birds for fun".
Ms Allen said the running of a shortened duck season, despite COVID-19 lockdowns and the bushfires which ravaged the state was ludicrous.
"Victoria's wildlife and regional communities have had a shocking year," Ms Allen said.
"The least the Victorian Labor party can do is honor its commitment to review something that polls continually show the majority of Victorians- city and country - want banned."
"Duck shooting brings regional communities little but litter, fear of trespass and risks of campfires gone wrong. It upsets children and animals, disrupts tourism and working from home. It's the last thing we need coming out of COVID".
A spokesperson for Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes said motions carried at state conference were a matter for the Labor Party itself, not the government. But also highlighted the benefits to local communities.
"Sustainable hunting bring thousands of visitors into country communities each year, putting much-needed revenue into local businesses and supporting local jobs," the spokesperson said.
"The Victorian Government continues to ensure that hunting remains a safe, responsible and sustainable recreation."
