SFF motion calling for expanded hunting and deer regulations passes parliament

A motion by Shooters, Fishers and Farmers (SFF) Lyons MP Carlo Di Falco to change hunting and deer regulations has passed the House of Assembly.

Mr Di Falco moved a motion calling on the state government to expand Sustainable Timber Tasmania land access for recreational hunting, support recreational hunters as the primary method of deer management, explore amending legislation that prohibits the donation of game meat to charitable organisations and maintain the ban on 1080 poison to target deer populations.

The motion passed with support from the Liberals and Labor, while the Greens voted against it.

Mr Di Falco said that hunting had always been a part of Tasmania’s heritage.

“It’s time the government recognised hunters not as a problem, but as part of the solution,” he said.

“They are the frontline of effective deer management.” 

“We should be supporting methods that are humane, sustainable and community driven.

“Aerial culling is not only expensive, but divides communities and wastes opportunities to use game meat responsibly.”

Legislation prohibiting the donation of harvested game meat to charitable organisations was something that Mr Di Falco said ignored the reality of food insecurity in many Tasmanian households.

“It makes no sense that perfectly good venison and wallaby are going to waste when local charities and food banks are struggling to meet demand. 

“With a common-sense approach, we can safely and responsibly allow harvested meat to support those who need it most.”

Mr Di Falco said expanding public land for recreational hunting would ensure a fairer and more effective statewide management strategy.

“This is about striking the right balance, protecting our environment, respecting private 

Property and empowering local people to manage wildlife responsibly.

“The SFF is willing to work with all sides of parliament and stakeholders to ensure sustainable wildlife management.”

Greens Primary Industries spokesperson Tabatha Badger said issues around deer in Tasmania were due to the Liberals’ longstanding protection of the species during the breeding season, not because public lands are not available to shooters.

While the party voted against Mr Di Falco’s motion, it has been urging the government to take action on Tasmania’s increasing deer population.

“Supporting the SFF’s push to open up public forests for recreational shooters is an obvious public safety issue,” Ms Badger said.
“At a time when Tasmania should be strengthening gun laws and firearms protections, the Liberals and Labor appear to be weaselling up the shooting lobby.

“Talk of semi-automatic weapons and silencers being used on public land is not a conversation Tasmania should be having in 2025. 

 “This is a frightening step backwards for Tasmania – a state that is fiercely protective of our strong firearms laws.”