David Hawker (Wannon, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

It is my very great pleasure to present a petition that draws to the attention of the chamber the vital role that hunting plays in the conservation of species, habitat and ecosystems for future generations. This very large petition was collected in just two days in one location in Sydney. It has over 1,800 signatures, and I really want to commend one of the organisers, the Chair of the International Coalition for Women in Shooting and Hunting, Dr Samara McPhedran, for all the work she has done on this. Dr McPhedran said:

People in regional, rural and remote communities are suffering through drought and hardship—

which we know. She continues:

The Parliament would do well to endorse their right to maintain and grow the alternative income stream gained through welcoming hunters into the community.

She points out that hunters contribute at least $40 million just to the economy of Victoria, not to mention the whole of Australia. As I said, the petition calls upon the parliament to recognise the vital role hunting plays in the conservation of species, habitat and ecosystems for future generations.

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