SA Greens Duck Ban Bill Defeated

The South Australian parliament has overwhelmingly voted against a bill introduced by Greens MP Mark Parnell to ban Duck and Quail hunting. The bill was not supported by the Government or opposition.

Field and Game Australia CEO, Rod Drew said “Waterfowl hunters across Australia applaud the members of the SA parliament for not supporting the Green’s Bill and taking a decision based on science and not animal rights philosophy”.

This is the second time the SA parliament has defeated a bill to ban duck & quail hunting, the last being the Elliott Bill in 1998.

“SA hunters have a long & proud history of dedication to waterfowl & wetland habitat conservation and have been able to demonstrate that there are significant research and environmental benefits from a well regulated and managed Duck and Quail season. This approach is consistent with world’s best practice as espoused by the IUCN and Ramsar.”

Mr Drew concluded by saying “ SA hunters are now preparing for the 2010 season and have recently assisted DEH staff in a comprehensive survey of waterfowl and habitat conditions which show conditions and bird numbers have improved significantly this year.”