Media Statement – Premier of Western Australia

3 September 1990

Legislation to ban the recreational duck shooting will be introduced in State Parliament this year.

Premier Carmen Lawrence today said that the Wildlife Conservation Act would be amended to protect ducks, geese, quail and other prescribed species from recreational shooters.

She said the ban was in line with the State Government’s policy on the protection of native birds Western Australia would be the first State to ban duck shooting.

“I have made no secret of my opposition to shooting ducks for recreation,” Dr Lawrence said.

“Duck shooting runs counter to the environmental sensitivity to which our community increasingly aspires.

“There is widespread opposition throughout the community to the cruelty and environmental damage caused by shooters.

“Evidence from previous seasons shows that injured ducks have been left to die, protected species have been shot and fragile wetlands have been polluted by lead and cartridges.

“Our community has reached a stage of enlightenment where it can no longer accept the institutionalised killing of native birds for recreation.