The Dangers of Early Success

[Mark Warton]

The SFP has arguably achieved a number of significant achievements since its creation. The start of the Game Council and public hunting in State forests was merely one of a number of important developments initiated by the SFP. The early work however, was carried out when the SFP had only one member in the Legislative Council, and the NSW Legislative Council was perhaps not as narrowly balanced as it is at present.

There was an extended period under the various Iemma,Rees etc Labor government when the SFP had 2 members and tight numbers in the Legislative Council and this situation continues, under the current Coalition government. The previous Labor Government managed to complete its final term without granting any access to NSW National Parks for feral animal removal, and the current Coalition government seems to hold a similar view. The Coalition also seems to oppose any sensible amendment of current firearm legislation in NSW (which is an odd position considering the presence of the National Party in the Coalition).

Since conditions in the Legislative Council may not ever get any better than they currently are for the SFP, it is unclear how any significant legislative progress can be made. Less than 3 years probably remain for the currency of the Coalition government in NSW, so time may become crucial. One can only speculate as to what the fate of a Bill to create the Game Council would be if it had to be introduced now. So, it is probably important to keep making significant legislative achievements, because some of the other work may tend to be forgotten in time, as voters seem to have a short memory.