ENVIRONMENT MINISTER DUCKING FOR COVER ON HUNTING

The Nationals' Resources and Environment spokesman, Peter Hall, has challenged the State Environment Minister to show his hand on duck hunting.

Mr Hall said this week that the absence of any formal response to a specific request in Parliament three months ago suggests duck hunting could be banned in 2006.

Mr Hall said he was concerned that the Minister was about to cave in to mainly metropolitan-based ALP members who want duck hunting banned.

"I raised the issue in June and specifically asked the Minister in August whether the 2006 duck season would be banned, with the Commonwealth Games used as the excuse," Mr Hall said.

"The fact that there been no response at all suggests that the Government does intend banning duck hunting in Victoria.

"How hard is it to give a yes or no answer, so that we all know where we stand? I challenge the Minister to give us an answer."

Mr Hall said he was concerned the Minister was more interested in placating ALP members who want duck hunting banned than providing information to Victoria's 22,000 duck hunters and the rural areas that need to gear up for the influx of trade.

"It's unfortunate that the Minister does not seem to understand that for many towns, duck season is an important part of the economic cycle.

"Instead he is worried about ALP membership, especially those in the city who also don't understand much about the realities of living in country Victoria."

Mr Hall has seen a copy of an email sent this month by ALP members urging the Minister to ban duck hunting, with the Commonwealth Games as an excuse.

"I have already asked the Minister, in August, to give an assurance that the that the staging of the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games was not going to impact in any way upon the decision to run with the 2006 duck hunting season.

"The Minister still hasn't responded."

The duck season normally starts on the third Saturday of March each year, which next year is 18 March. The Commonwealth Games start on 15 March.

Mr Hall said the Government needed to show some strength of character and make a decision in the best interests of all Victorians.

Media contact: Peter Hall's office (03) 5174 7066