Field and Game Australia - Advocacy of Shooter's Rights

Advocacy of Shooter's Rights

Field and Game Australia represents members interests with government and legal sbmissions from time to time.

In 2002, FGA gave evidence to the High Court in relation to the Yorta Yorta Native Title claim over areas in the Goulburn and Murray Valleys. The Yorta Yorta claim was over 200,000 km2 of land. The Yorta Yorta people gave evidence that they traditionally used the land to camp, hunt and fish. FGA gave evidence that they also traditionally use the land to camp hunt and fish.

In 2005-6, the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council proposed five new national parks (Barmah, Gunbower, Lower Goulburn, Warby Range-Ovens River, Leaghur-Koorangie and a significant addition to Murray-Sunset) and five new regional or other parks. This would have significantly reduced public access to public land currently used for camping, fishing and hunting. The proposal would have restricted boat access to rivers enjoyed by Victorians. VEAC's proposals were based on economic assumptions that were shown to be flawed. FGA engaged consultants to challenge the economic assumptions and VEAC's propsals were subsequently rejected by the Victorian Government.

Members of Field and Game are included in an insurance scheme that provides them with $20million public liability insurance and gun insurance.