Legislation allowing hunting on over 50,000 hectares across New South Wales (NSW) has been proposed by the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party, igniting significant debate. Areas identified for hunting include regions around Bathurst and Eurobodalla, even as Premier Chris Minns has indicated he will not support enshrining a “right to hunt” in law. This decision reflects a shift in political sentiment regarding the Game and Feral Animal Legislation Amendment (Conservation Hunting) Bill 2025.
Documents obtained by the Herald detail that the proposed hunting areas encompass 23 parcels of land. Key locations include five lots in the Muswellbrook Shire Council, four in the Mid-Western Regional Council, and three each in Bathurst Regional Council and Snowy Monaro Regional Council. These developments come against the backdrop of approximately one million hectares of state forests already designated for licensed hunting in NSW.
The bill, introduced in May by the Shooters’ leader Robert Borsak, aims to address the state’s feral animal challenges. It would have established a right to hunt, permitted access to gun silencers for hunters, and proposed a $7.9 million state hunting authority. While initially backed by the Labor government, the proposal has faced intense backlash from gun control advocates, the Greens, and the Animal Justice Party, who have labeled it a “Trojan horse” for gun lobby interests.
On September 29, Liberal MPs criticized the government for potentially compromising community safety, accusing them of engaging in “US-style political horse-trading” with the Shooters. The Coalition’s shadow cabinet, having initially shown broad support, convened to reassess their stance. Borsak has vehemently opposed accusations of orchestrating a deal with the government and dismissed claims that the legislation would boost the availability of firearms in the state.
The inclusion of land surrounding Lake Poonboon near Swan Hill has raised eyebrows among local landowners. Dallas Pearce, who owns land adjacent to the lake, noted that hunting already occurs on his property with his permission. He expressed skepticism about the impact of the legislation, particularly when the lake is full, questioning the practicality of hunting in such conditions.
Much of the designated land borders national parks, including areas adjacent to the Deua National Park near Moruya and the Brindabella National Park on the Australian Capital Territory border. During a parliamentary inquiry into the legislation in early August, Tara Black, deputy secretary of the Department of Primary Industries, mentioned that the bill would allow for additional Crown land to be opened up for hunting, but with “several checks and balances,” including necessary permission from the minister.
The government has not publicly disclosed the full list of proposed hunting sites. Originally scheduled to return to parliament this week, the bill’s debate has been postponed until next week, pending the inquiry’s findings. Earlier discussions indicated government support for the bill, with Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty expressing approval for most aspects, except those related to silencers.
Facing mounting pressure from advocacy groups, Premier Minns remarked on the distinction between the right to hunt and rights akin to freedom of speech or voting. He emphasized that while hunting is permissible in NSW, it should not imply a right to bear arms similar to that seen in the United States. “We’ve seen that in other jurisdictions be a complete disaster. I don’t want that here in Australia,” Minns stated.
As the situation unfolds, the Coalition’s shadow cabinet continues to deliberate its position, with some members suggesting potential amendments to the bill or outright opposition. Meanwhile, the government has not responded to inquiries from various media outlets regarding the legislation’s future.
