The Nationals leader and Member for Murray Plains, Peter Walsh, said this weekend’s declaration of a severely restricted 2021 duck season is the clearest message yet that Daniel Andrews and Labor have turned their back on regional Victorians.
Mr Walsh said after a wet year, the Andrews Labor Government’s declaration of a 20-day season with heavy restrictions on bag limits is the season to declare when you are moving to destroy hunting in Victoria by stealth.
He said this is the second year in a row that hunters have lost their season after Daniel Andrews’ COVID shutdowns in 2020.
“With current data showing duck numbers are at a sustainable level and following above-average rainfall in eastern Australia in the past 12 months, the hunting community had looked forward to a full 12-week season – as legislated,” Mr Walsh said.
“Instead, the Andrews Labor Government has ignored the science and moved to regulate a recreational activity that generates $356 million for our state,” he added.
“For those who think this is just about duck hunting – it’s not.
“The Andrews Labor Government will sell out any Victorian to secure radical green votes in the city.”
Mr Walsh said along with attacks on hard-working Victorians in the timber industry, it shows Daniel Andrews and Labor will go to any lengths for green preferences – even if it means destroying critical regional sectors.
He said the Liberal Nationals strongly support Victoria’s tens of thousands of recreational hunters.
“Meanwhile, Daniel Andrews has again shown he doesn’t care for those in regional Victoria who do not fit his agenda to stay in power regardless of the cost to not just the hunting community but anyone not prepared to dance to his tune.”