The number of public submissions to the Select Committee on Victoria's recreational native bird hunting arrangements is thousands more than the previous highest — an inquiry into ride sourcing services in 2017, which received 2439 submissions.
“The massive response to this inquiry is a clear indication of the high level of community interest in this matter,” committee chair Ryan Batchelor said.
The feedback, provided via an online form and received during a six-week period from late March until May 8, equates to an average of more than 200 submissions a day.
“On behalf of the committee, I want to thank every individual and group or organisation that has taken the time to have their say,” Mr Batchelor said.
“Our staff are processing each of the submissions and progressively publishing them on our website.”
MPs toured wetlands around Lake Connewarre near Geelong on the opening day of the 2023 duck hunting season.
The select committee of nine Legislative Council MPs started public hearings on Friday, May 26 and is interviewing people from hunting associations, wildlife groups, academia and government agencies.
Environmental experts Professor Richard Kingsford and Professor Marcel Klaassen, representatives of RMCG consulting agency, BDO EconSearch and the Australia Institute were among those presenting to the committee.
Further public hearing dates will be scheduled throughout June and into July.
“It’s important we hear directly from all of these stakeholders as we determine the future of Victoria’s native bird hunting arrangements,” Mr Batchelor said.
“These sessions will inform the committee of important background information that will inform our further work and questions we put to future witnesses."
The committee is reviewing the operation of the state’s annual native bird hunting seasons. It is also looking at arrangements in other Australian jurisdictions.
The environmental sustainability of the practice, its impact on amenity and the social and economic consequences are also being examined.
A report to parliament with findings and recommendations is due by August 31.