The Victoria's Game Management Authority (GMA) is facing a barrage of criticism and accusations, with its handling of duck hunting regulations and the treatment of anti-duck shooting campaigners under scrutiny. The GMA's actions have sparked concerns about its impartiality and effectiveness, leading to a series of formal complaints and a growing sense of unease among protesters and wildlife rescuers.
A Blurry Line Between Regulation and Bullying
The GMA's recent tactics have raised eyebrows, particularly its use of social media to publicly shame and threaten animal activists. Posting the hometown locations of rescuers who have been fined for duck hunting breaches, the GMA's Facebook page has become a platform for abuse, with death threats and intimidation tactics employed against those who dare to challenge the status quo. This approach has not only fostered a hostile environment for animal activists but has also raised questions about the authority's commitment to impartiality and public safety.
One incident involving a man from Maldon exemplifies the chilling effect of the GMA's actions. Facing a threat of drowning, he expressed a valid fear of hunters with firearms, a sentiment that cannot be taken lightly. The GMA's response to such threats, however, raises concerns about its ability to protect its own members and the public it is supposed to regulate.
The 'Us Hunters' Dilemma
At a meeting hosted by Field & Game, a hunter lobby group, a GMA officer's comments further exacerbated tensions. Urging hunters to denigrate protesters and make prosecution of rescuers easier, the officer's use of the term 'us hunters' highlighted a potential conflict of interest. This sentiment, combined with the officer's advice to not give animal activists any 'ammunition', suggests a biased approach that favors hunters over those who oppose duck shooting.
A History of Ineffectiveness and Bias
The GMA's struggles with impartiality and enforcement are not new. A 2017 report by Pegasus Economics revealed the authority's failure to uphold hunting laws, with a focus on managing protesters rather than policing hunters. This finding was corroborated by former compliance manager George Bucchorn, who resigned due to superiors actively discouraging investigations into alleged hunting law breaches. Bucchorn's observations of the hunting season further confirmed the GMA's biased behavior, with a perceived worsening of tactics towards rescuers over the years.
The New Super Body: A Cause for Concern?
The proposed merger of the GMA with the Victorian Fisheries Authority to create Outdoor Recreation Victoria has raised alarm bells. Critics argue that this move could exacerbate the authority's existing conflicts of interest and make it even harder to maintain impartiality. The influence of the hunting lobby on Premier Jacinta Allan's government has sparked accusations of the premier being beholden to the gun lobby, further fueling the debate over the GMA's future.
A Call for Transparency and Accountability
As the GMA continues to navigate a complex web of accusations and concerns, the need for transparency and accountability has never been more apparent. The authority must address the public's fears and demonstrate its commitment to impartiality and public safety. The upcoming debate in parliament regarding the GMA's merger with the Victorian Fisheries Authority will be a crucial test of the government's resolve to address these issues and ensure a fair and balanced approach to hunting regulation in Victoria.
