[Greens-Media] Hunting in State Forests: ‘likely risk’ of death confirmed

[Alison Orme]

MEDIA RELEASE - 10 August 2006 

Hunting in State Forests: ‘likely risk’ of death confirmed

Greens MP and firearms spokesperson Lee Rhiannon has called on the Natural Resources Minister to immediately halt hunting in state forests in light of Forests NSW’s assessment that there is a ‘likely risk’ that someone will die as a result of recreational hunting.

“Minister Ian Macdonald will have much to answer for if someone is killed or seriously injured in state forests, when this risk assessment so clearly underlines the threat to people’s lives,” Ms Rhiannon said.

“The results of this risk assessment will be fuel for the fire at the Greens’ public forum on this issue next Monday at Parliament House’. (Details below)

 “It is unacceptable that the Minister is willing to keep forests open to recreational hunters when he should be aware of the findings of the risk assessment carried out by Forests NSW and the Game Council NSW.

“There are reportedly 17 scenarios that have been identified as being of serious concern. Of these, eight refer to the risk being death or permanent disability.

“The study refers to a likely risk people will be hit by a bullet or an arrow as a result of misidentification of ‘target’.

“It is important to remove the dispassionate language here. The wrong ‘target’ of a hunter’s gun will be a women, a man or a child.

“Controlling this risk by issuing individual licenses for hunters will never be a sufficient measure to remove these unacceptable dangers.

“This risk assessment illustrates that giving over half our state forests for recreational hunting is a dangerous and reckless policy.

“The Minister needs to publicly release this document so everyone can assess the dangers presented.

 “The new hunting laws should be repealed immediately and I will be pressuring the Iemma government to do so when Parliament resumes at the end of August,” said Ms Rhiannon.

Community Forum on Hunting in State Forests
What:  Safe forests, safe communities: Can we overturn new laws allowing hunting in 
state forests?
When:	 Monday 14 August, 2006, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Where: Jubilee Room, Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney. All welcome.  No cost.

For more information contact:  9230 3551 or 0427 861 568 


Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Tues, Wed and alternate Mons)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au