Advocacy at work: AVA strongly supports recommended ban on duck hunting in Victoria

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The Victorian Division of the AVA reignited the AVA’s calls to cease duck hunting in Victoria, aligning with the recent findings of the Select Committee Inquiry into Recreational Native Bird Hunting.

The Select Committee's final report, tabled in 2023, followed an extensive inquiry and recommended a complete end to recreational native bird hunting on both public and private lands starting in 2024. This move would bring Victoria in line with progressive animal welfare standards across the country, including Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, which have already prohibited recreational duck hunting.

In a media release on 18 January 2024, the Victorian Division AVA President, Dr Cathy Deague called for the Victorian Government to reassess its stance on duck hunting and take the final step toward a complete ban.

The media release and Dr Deague’s subsequent interview has garnered significant media attention and support for its strong stance in favour of the recommended ban on duck hunting in Victoria. Multiple news outlets have reported on the AVA's position, highlighting the organisation's concerns about the welfare of ducks and the perceived cruelty associated with the sport.

Ten Western Victoria reported on 19 January that the AVA is pushing for the Victorian Government to ban duck hunting across Western Victoria. Similar sentiments were echoed by Ten Central Victoria, Ten Albury/Wodonga, and The Border's 105.7 Triple M, 104.9 The Border, Triple M Bendigo, Triple M 963 Riverina MIA, and Triple M Riverina 1152, with all outlets featuring bulletins and discussions on the AVA's call for the ban.