Native Bird Hunting

In reply to the Hon. T.A. FRANKS ().19 March 2024).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): The Minister for Climate, Environment and Water has advised:

1. The Firearms Act 2015, which is administered by the South Australia Police, includes offences for 'handling firearms when under influence of intoxicating liquor'. Duck open season hunting permit holders must comply with the Firearms Act 2015.

2. While 'windmilling' is not an activity specifically mentioned in the Animal Welfare Act 1985, it is not an approved method of euthanasia listed in the Code of Practice for the Humane Destruction of Birds by Shooting in South Australia, with which duck open season hunting permit holders must comply as a condition of their permit.

3. While the welfare of animals including ducks is within scope of the review of the Animal Welfare Act, the practice of duck hunting does not sit within the scope.