Legislative Council Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2) 52 2 Parliament of South Australia Legislative Council published Question Time Duck Hunting DUCK HUNTING The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS Legislative Council DUCK HUNTING The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (17:09): My question is to the Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, regarding duck hunting. Leave granted. The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS Legislative Council The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS: Mr President, as you would be aware, the duck hunting season should be fast approaching. Given that we have just had a Port Adelaide by-election, there is no doubt that the Labor candidate, Susan Close, is a very passionate anti duck hunting person, and it has been acknowledged by many in the community that the reason this government has held off an announcement is not to embarrass its candidate in the Port Adelaide by-election. Given that the conditions have been fantastic and that many people are trying to plan around their duck hunting activities, now is the time for minister Caica to come out and declare the duck season. Okay, it might have been a bit cute to do it yesterday, Monday, just as an acknowledgment that this was really put off just to protect Susan Close, but there is a lot of tourism money involved and at risk, and we would hope that common sense now prevails and the minister makes an early announcement. Will the minister announce the duck season forthwith so that the hunting fraternity can get on with it? The President Legislative Council The PRESIDENT: The minister can disregard the opinion as far as the by-election of Port Adelaide goes. The Hon. I.K. HUNTER Legislative Council Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (17:11): Thank you, Mr President. Members interjecting: The President Legislative Council The PRESIDENT: Order! There is enough quack in the place. The Hon. I.K. HUNTER Legislative Council The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: I take your guidance and the acceptance of most of the question being opinion. I actually reject the premise the question was based on, which is best described as probably ill-informed opinion at best. In relation to the real question asked of the minister, I can advise that he will announce his decision on the matter when he has considered all the information before him.