Minns government backs bill promoting hunting in NSW’s state forests and crown land

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"NSW Government Supports Bill to Promote Hunting in State Forests and Crown Lands"

Minns government backs bill promoting hunting in NSW’s state forests and crown land analysis cover image The Guardian 6.9
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jun/14/minns-government-backs-bill-promoting-hunting-in-nsws-state-forests-and-crown-land
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AI Analysis Average Score: 6.9
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TruthLens AI Summary

The Minns Labor government in New South Wales has recently expressed its support for a bill proposed by the Shooters and Fishers party, which aims to promote hunting in state forests and crown lands. This legislation would recognize 'conservation hunting' as a legitimate method for controlling feral animal populations. Premier Chris Minns has backed the establishment of a Conservation Hunting Council, a move that has raised concerns among environmental groups. Critics fear that this initiative could lead to a situation reminiscent of the now-defunct Game Council, which was criticized for increasing, rather than decreasing, feral animal populations, particularly feral deer. Under the proposed bill, hunting would be regulated and permitted in state forests and crown lands, but not in national parks, which is a notable change from previous regulations. Environmental advocates warn that the bill could divert crucial funding away from effective feral animal control programs, ultimately turning state forests into 'de facto game parks' for invasive species. They argue that recreational hunting is less effective compared to scientifically-backed methods such as baiting and aerial shooting.

Supporters of the bill, including Shooters MLC Robert Borsak, argue that recreational and conservation hunters play a vital role in managing invasive species like feral pigs and rabbits, contributing significantly to the New South Wales economy. The government has also proposed a potential bounty scheme, which aligns with the interests of the Shooters party. Despite claims from the government that there is no formal deal with the Shooters party, the bill is likely to receive support from the Coalition, suggesting its passage is imminent when the NSW parliament reconvenes. The proposed legislation aims to create a new authority that would advocate for hunters, promote hunting education, and require land managers to consider the impacts of their activities on hunting opportunities. Experts in biodiversity have expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of hunting as a management tool, citing successful eradication efforts in other regions that relied on professional control programs rather than recreational hunting.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The article provides insight into a recent legislative proposal in New South Wales (NSW) that aims to promote hunting in state forests and crown lands. This move by the Minns Labor government has sparked significant controversy, particularly among environmental groups. The bill's implications for wildlife management and conservation efforts are at the forefront of the debate, making it crucial to analyze the underlying motives and potential consequences.

Government's Intentions

The support for the bill by the Minns government indicates a shift towards recognizing hunting as a viable method for controlling feral animal populations. By establishing a Conservation Hunting Council, the government seems to be attempting to balance the interests of recreational hunters with those of conservationists, although critics argue that this could undermine effective wildlife management. The aim may be to appease hunting constituencies while also addressing concerns about feral animals in public lands.

Perception Creation

This news piece seems to encourage a perception that hunting is a legitimate and necessary approach to managing invasive species. The language used in the article, particularly phrases like "conservation hunting," suggests that the government is framing this bill as a scientifically backed initiative. However, the opposing views from environmentalists emphasize a contrasting narrative that recreational hunting is not an effective method compared to evidence-based approaches like baiting and aerial shooting.

Information Omissions

There could be elements that the article does not fully explore, such as the potential economic benefits of hunting tourism or the cultural significance of hunting to certain communities in NSW. By focusing primarily on the opposition from environmental groups, the article may overshadow other perspectives that could provide a more balanced view of the issue.

Manipulative Elements

The article contains a degree of manipulation, particularly in its choice of language and emphasis on the negative historical context of the Game Council. This framing could lead readers to view the current bill as a regressive step rather than a potential improvement in wildlife management practices. The use of alarmist statements from environmentalists might also be seen as an attempt to sway public opinion against the bill.

Credibility of Information

The report appears credible, as it references statements from stakeholders like the Threatened Species Council and the Shooters and Fishers party. However, the validity of the arguments presented is contingent on the accuracy of the claims made by both proponents and opponents of the bill. It’s essential to consider the scientific evidence supporting various wildlife management strategies to gauge the reliability of the information provided.

Social and Economic Impact

The implications of this bill could be significant for local communities, particularly those that rely on hunting for income or as part of their cultural identity. Economically, increased hunting activity in state forests could influence tourism, but it may also lead to conflicts with conservation efforts. Politically, the bill has the potential to polarize communities and could impact future elections depending on how various constituencies respond to the proposed changes.

Support Base

The legislation seems to appeal primarily to hunting enthusiasts and those who support the notion of recreational hunting as a method for pest control. Conversely, it may alienate more environmentally conscious voters who prioritize conservation efforts over hunting interests.

Market Reactions

While this news article is unlikely to have a direct impact on stock markets, companies involved in hunting gear, outdoor recreation, or wildlife management could see fluctuations in interest based on public sentiment towards the bill. Any backlash from environmental groups could also affect businesses that are associated with these activities.

Global Context

In a broader context, this legislation reflects ongoing debates around wildlife management and conservation that are occurring globally. As nations grapple with invasive species and biodiversity loss, the methods employed to address these issues are under scrutiny. The discussion around hunting as a tool for conservation in NSW resonates with similar debates in other countries.

Artificial Intelligence Involvement

It is plausible that AI tools were utilized in the drafting process to analyze public sentiment or generate data-driven arguments. However, the article's tone and structure suggest that human writers crafted it, focusing on the emotional appeal of the issue. If AI had a role, it may have influenced the presentation of arguments or the selection of quotes to support a particular narrative.

The analysis suggests that while the article provides important information regarding the bill, it also carries inherent biases that could shape public perception. By highlighting the controversies and opposing views, it aims to foster a critical discussion around the implications of the proposed legislation.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jun/14/minns-government-backs-bill-promoting-hunting-in-nsws-state-forests-and-crown-land

In a back-to-the-future move, the Minns Labor government has backed a Shooters and Fishers partybill that will promote hunting in state forests and crown lands in NSWand recognise “conservation hunting” as a legitimate tool to control feral animals.

The NSW premier,Chris Minns, has thrown his support behind a proposed Conservation Hunting Council, to the horror of environmental groups which warn of a repeat of the now-defunct Game Council.

The Game Council, which served as the licensing agency and regulating agency, resulted in more, not less, feral animals in public lands, particularly feral deer which came to be managed not as a pest but as a hunting species.

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One difference from the previous regulatory regime is that hunting will not be permitted in NSW national parksbut will be in state forests and crown lands with a permit.

The Threatened Species council’s chief executive Jack Gough said the bill would divert funding from effective control programs to hunters and would lock in state forests as “de facto game parks and breeding grounds for pests”.

The authority would effectively become “a taxpayer-funded propaganda vehicle for the shooting lobby” that could “undermine the social licence for effective feral animal control nationally – particularly aerial shooting and baiting”, he warned.

Environmental groups urged the premier to re-consider and be guided by the science, which they argue clearly demonstrates that recreational shooting is not as effective as evidence-based baiting and aerial shooting programs.

But with the Coalition also likely to support the latest hunting plan, the bill looks likely to be passed when NSW parliament resumes on 24 June.

The latest plan is something the Shooters and Fishers party have long pressed for.

“Recreational and conservation hunters are vital partners in controlling invasive species such as feral pigs, rabbits, foxes and wild deer inNew South Wales,” Shooters MLC Robert Borsak said as he introduced the bill last week.

“Unlike sporadic and government-run management programs, which cost New South Wales millions of dollars each year, recreational and conservation hunters contribute over half a billion dollars to the New South Wales economy, mainly in regional and rural areas.” he said.

Minns has also floated introducing a bounty scheme, which is also strongly supported by the Shooters.

The government denies it has done a deal with the Shooters party to support other legislation, but it needs the two Shooter votes and others to pass legislation, when the Greens oppose bills.

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“It is not just coincidence that this radical expansion of recreational shooting rights in NSW is being supported by the government at the same time as the Minns Labor government is trying to cut injured workers off from their compensation payments,” said Greens upper house MP Sue Higginson.

The conservation hunting bill would create a new conservation hunting authority to represent the interests of hunters, make recommendations to the agriculture minister, promote research into “game, feral and pest animal management issues” and into the benefits of hunting. It would also “promote, develop and deliver educational courses regarding game animals”.

The authority would have eight members, while seven of those would have voting rights. Four of the voting members would be nominated by hunting organisations.

The bill proposes other changes, including enshrining a “right to hunt” and recognition of hunting as a conservation management tool.

It would also require managers of some public lands – primarily state forests and travelling stock reserves and excluding national parks – to consider the impact on hunters of any land management activity.

James Trezise, the chief executive of the scientist-led Biodiversity Council, said evidence showed professional programs were most effective for controlling invasive species.

For example, he said feral pigs had been effectively eradicated from Kangaroo Island off South Australia through a multi-year dedicated control program using professional shooters. He also pointed to the NSW government’s recent efforts in the Kosciuszko national park to use all tools available, including aerial shooting, to cull thousands of feral horses, deer and pigs.

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Source: The Guardian