NSW: Groups demand to know MPs' position on game bill

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NSW: Groups demand to know MPs' position on game bill

By Krystyna Pollard

SYDNEY, April 9 AAP - Green, animal welfare and gun control groups will canvass theviews of NSW MPs on the government's Game Bill and then publicise them in each electorate.

An alliance of 31 international, national and state groups has written to every stateMP asking them whether they support or oppose the bill, and plans to publish the results.

"We believe that once the broader public is aware of the cruel, unnecessary and patheticintent of this legislation they would be horrified if they discovered their local representativebacks it," Total Environment Centre (TEC) director and spokesman for the alliance JeffAngel said in a statement today.

The bill - which was introduced to parliament last November - allows licences for anylegal form of hunting, although shooters are expected to form the bulk of applications.

While hunting already occurs in NSW, it is extremely limited with permits being offeredby a variety of agencies.

Under the proposed new laws, a special Game Council would be formed to coordinate huntingprograms, issue licences and ensure hunters abide by a code of practice.

Animal welfare, environment and gun control groups have demanded the bill's withdrawal,saying it will lead to animal cruelty and effectively allow the introduction of game parksin NSW.

The new letter drawn up by opponents said there was "no legitimate and logical reasonfor the bill.

"Arguments by the government and hunters that it is all about pest control and regulationare spurious," the letter said.

The bill is being debated in the lower house this week.

AAP kp/arb/cjh/sb

KEYWORD: GAME