Robert Borsak Tables New Hunting Bill in NSW: More Land, Better Opportunities for Conservation and Community

Robert Borsak Tables New Hunting Bill in NSW: More Land, Better Opportunities for Conservation and Community NSW MP Robert Borsak introduces the Game and Feral Animal Control Amendment (Conservation Hunting) Bill 2025, aiming to expand public land hunting, create a Conservation Hunting Authority, and recognise hunting as both a conservation tool and cultural tradition. 📜 A Landmark Bill for Hunting Reform Shooter, Fishers and Farmers (SFF) MP Robert Borsak has announced a major legislative push that could reshape the future of hunting in New South Wales. The Game and Feral Animal Control Amendment (Conservation Hunting) Bill 2025 is set to be tabled in Parliament, with the potential to expand hunting opportunities, reform licensing, and even establish a Minister for Hunting and Fishing. According to Borsak, the bill is about achieving “balance” — ensuring hunting is ethical, well‑managed, and effective, while also delivering benefits to the environment, the economy, and regional communities. 🌿 Recognising Hunting as Conservation One of the most significant aspects of the bill is its formal recognition of hunting as a conservation tool. The legislation explicitly links hunting to biodiversity protection, pest control, sustainable land use, and cultural heritage. The bill also acknowledges the cultural, social, and spiritual importance of hunting for both Indigenous and non‑Indigenous Australians, embedding hunting more deeply into the state’s conservation framework. 🏞️ Expanding Access to Public Land If passed, the bill will open up an additional 50,000 hectares of Crown land for regulated hunting. This expansion is designed to provide more opportunities for licensed hunters while also integrating them into a community‑based conservation model. The legislation encourages ethical, regulated hunting on suitable Crown lands, ensuring that hunting contributes to pest management while remaining sustainable and safe. 🎯 New Licensing and Technology Reforms The bill proposes replacing the current R‑licence with a new Conservation Hunting Licence, streamlining the system and aligning it with the broader conservation goals. It also introduces reforms allowing the use of suppressors, thermal imaging, and night vision equipment on private land. These technologies, long debated in hunting circles, are expected to improve efficiency and safety in pest control. 🏛️ Creation of a Conservation Hunting Authority A central feature of the bill is the establishment of a new Conservation Hunting Authority (CHA), which will replace the existing Game and Pest Management Advisory Board. - The CHA will be responsible for: - Licensing and education - Policy advice - Supporting community‑based conservation initiatives However, regulatory compliance will remain under the Department of Primary Industries, ensuring oversight and accountability. 💰 Incentives Through Bounty Systems To further encourage participation, the bill enables bounty systems that reward hunters for pest control efforts. This approach is designed to reduce the financial burden on government pest control programs, which Borsak described as “costly and always ineffective.” By empowering licensed hunters, the bill aims to create a cost‑effective, scalable model for managing invasive species across NSW. 🗣️ Political Support and Next Steps Sporting Shooter reports that the SFF has secured the support of the NSW Government, giving the bill strong prospects of passing. Greater detail will be available once the legislation is formally tabled on 28 May 2025. If successful, the bill could mark a turning point in how New South Wales approaches hunting, pest control, and conservation. 🔑 Conclusion: A New Era for Hunting in NSW The Conservation Hunting Bill 2025 represents one of the most ambitious reforms to hunting legislation in NSW history. By expanding land access, modernising licensing, and recognising hunting as a conservation tool, Robert Borsak and the SFF are positioning hunters as central players in the state’s environmental management. With 50,000 hectares of new hunting land, the creation of a Conservation Hunting Authority, and the potential appointment of a Minister for Hunting and Fishing, the bill could reshape the relationship between hunters, government, and the environment for decades to come.