Select Committee on Hunting of Native Birds

The Hon. R.B. MARTIN (16:52): I move:

That the report of the select committee be noted.

I would like to start by thanking the more than 1,000 people who made a submission to the committee and to the many organisations and groups who presented evidence in person. The committee took its task seriously and they were diligent in seeking to understand all of the issues regarding the hunting of native birds.

It is safe to say that there was a very big divide in the evidence submitted, with advocates for banning hunting strongly opposed to those who are advocating for the hunting of native birds to continue. It is a polarising issue, with both sides extremely passionate, and there was no outcome that would or could have satisfied both sides of the argument.

At the conclusion of its evidence gathering, the committee made 11 recommendations in its final report. These recommendations, if implemented, will provide stronger regulations regarding the hunting of native birds and place a significant emphasis on getting rid of hunters who are found to be doing the wrong thing.

I thank all those who gave their time to assist the committee with this inquiry. I commend the members of the committee, namely, the Hon. Ian Hunter, the Hon. Tammy Franks, the Hon. Frank Pangallo, the Hon. Nicola Centofanti, the Hon. Ben Hood and the Hon. Sarah Game, and I would like to place on the record the committee's thanks to Ms Leslie Guy and Ms Merry Brown, who provided support and research for the committee. I also extend my thanks to all members of the Hansard team who assisted this committee, including on its regional trips. I appreciate your dedication and assistance and thank you for your help.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. L.A. Henderson.