NSW conservation hunting bill explained

A commendable move towards practical wildlife management was taken in the New South Wales Parliament on May 28 this year. The Game and Feral Animal Control Amendment (Conservation Hunting) Bill 2025 was introduced by The Hon. Robert Borsak MLC of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party, the Bill aiming to formally recognise conservation hunting as a legitimate environmental and cultural tool.

The legislation was built on a simple but powerful idea, that licensed conservation hunters can play a key role in controlling invasive species which are damaging native habitats, harming agricultural productivity and threatening the cultural fabric of both indigenous and non-indigenous communities.

The Bill was a practical response to an ongoing problem. Invasive species such as feral pigs, rabbits, foxes, feral cats, wild dogs and wild deer are costing New South Wales millions of dollars each year. These animals have the potential to disrupt ecosystems, outcompete native wildlife and create enormous challenges for landowners. Despite years of taxpayer-funded government control programs, the problem persists.

In his media release, Mr. Borsak said the Bill acknowledges the critical role of conservation hunters in controlling invasive species and how it’s about empowering communities to take practical, ethical and effective action where other efforts have fallen short. At the heart of the proposed legislation were several important reforms designed to professionalise and legitimise conservation hunting. Key features of the Bill include:

• Creation of a Conservation Hunting Authority: A central body to oversee regulation, licensing and policy.
• Introduction of a Conservation Hunting Licence: This would replace the current R-Licence, modernising and broadening its scope.
• Recognition of cultural traditions: The Bill acknowledges hunting as a deeply rooted cultural practice for both indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.
• Use of suppressors: Licensed hunters would be permitted to use suppressors (devices which reduce noise) to enhance animal welfare and ethical standards.
• Support for bounty schemes: These incentives aim to encourage broader public participation in invasive species control across both public and private land.

The Bill is more than just pest control. Mr. Borsak said it wasn’t just about killing pests, it was about stewardship, community and restoring balance to the environment, adding that for too long, government pest control programs have been costly and always ineffective. The Bill empowers licensed hunters to contribute to a community-based conservation model that works. By supporting hunting practices which are well-regulated, humane and environmentally conscious, the Bill aims to provide a long-term, cost-effective alternative to conventional control methods. It also aims to support regional economies and reinforce the social fabric of rural and remote communities.

With the Bill tabled in the Legislative Council, Mr. Borsak had called on all members of both houses of the NSW Parliament to support this critical reform. He said it’s about balance and ensuring hunting is well-managed, ethical and effective.

On June 4 debate and scrutiny of the Conservation Hunting Bill within the Parliament begun. As expected, the loony groups consisting of The Greens and Animal Justice Party flung as much mud as they could at the idea hunters could help with pest control. They waffled on to such an extent that the time set aside for debate wasn’t long enough, causing debate to be paused and reschudled for later in the month.

Many amendments have been filed already which aim to dilute some of the key goals of the Bill including greater access to suppressors. If access to suppressors remains blocked, that would be a disappointing outcome. Why are people worried about increasing the efficiency of conservation hunters to control more pest animals? Could it be some aspects of the ‘pest control industry’ don’t want their gravy train exposed?