For the Australian Deer Association, this work reflects the value of a united industry voice. Our organisations represent different activities and interests, but we share common needs: access to places to participate, investment in facilities and education, sound game management, and a meaningful voice in decisions affecting our future.
Those shared priorities formed the basis of Shooting and Hunting in Victoria 2026–2030, the industry’s joint election policy document. Developed and endorsed collectively by shooting and hunting organisations, it presented practical proposals to strengthen participation across Victoria, recognising the contribution our community makes to regional economies, conservation, volunteering and outdoor recreation.
The Liberals and Nationals’ commitments provide tangible recognition of several elements of that agenda.
One of the clearest outcomes is the commitment to a $700,000 Hunters for the Hungry pilot. Our joint policy document sought this funding for a three-year pilot supporting field operations, processing and volunteer training to channel wild game meat through established food relief networks.
The written confirmation commits to a $700,000 pilot, directly matching the funding sought by the industry. The detailed design and delivery arrangements will still matter, but securing this commitment is an encouraging result.
For the ADA, this builds on our earlier work advocating for practical pathways to process wild-shot venison. Improving opportunities to process harvested deer helps ensure a valuable food resource can be put to good use. Hunters for the Hungry would build on that foundation by connecting the harvest and processing of suitable deer with an organised pathway to people experiencing food insecurity.
Together, these efforts could deliver positive change in deer management. Effective management requires more than identifying where deer numbers need to be reduced. It also requires practical arrangements that enable people to participate and make responsible use of the animals harvested.
Accessible processing pathways, supported by a coordinated food relief program, could help recreational hunters contribute to targeted deer management while ensuring more venison is recovered and used. A well-designed pilot would provide an opportunity to bring hunters, landholders, processors and food relief organisations together, with appropriate food safety standards, training and clear responsibilities.
That approach recognises deer management as an opportunity to deliver several benefits at once: supporting land management objectives, making use of nutritious wild food and helping people in need.
For members who already value the meat they bring home, it is a natural extension of the contribution recreational hunting makes to our families and communities.
A second substantial commitment is a $5 million Shooting, Hunting and Target Sports Fund. The written confirmation states that the fund would support clubs, facilities, participation, access and other practical projects benefiting the hunting community.
This aligns with the industry’s call for dedicated investment in modern facilities and stronger community partnerships. Our joint proposals highlighted the value of supporting target sports facilities, community-led improvements on public land, and initiatives promoting responsible hunting and game management.
The fund’s stated scope recognises the breadth of our sector and the different ways people participate. Investment in clubs and facilities can strengthen safety, training and participation, while support for access and practical projects can deliver benefits for hunters in the field.
For ADA members, that creates encouraging opportunities for projects involving education, participation and improvements that help people hunt safely and responsibly. We look forward to engaging on the fund’s design so volunteer-led and field-based organisations can help turn this commitment into practical outcomes.
The written confirmation also includes support for ongoing game management programs. This is consistent with the direction of our joint call for a science-based Game Management Action Plan, supported by research, sustainable management and meaningful involvement from hunting and wildlife management experts.
While the detailed scope of that support remains to be established, it provides a basis for continued engagement on the research, planning and investment needed to sustain hunting into the future.
Alongside these commitments, the Liberals and Nationals have confirmed in writing their support for ensuring Fishing, Hunting and Outdoor Victoria is up and running to give hunters a stronger voice. Effective representation matters because the decisions shaping hunting extend across public land, recreation, conservation and regulation. Our community needs informed engagement across all of them.
These commitments demonstrate the value of working together, developing credible proposals and maintaining constructive relationships with those seeking to govern. They give our sector practical measures to build on and a clear basis for continued advocacy.
We thank the Liberals and Nationals for their engagement with our industry and their commitment to the outdoor recreation sector. Their willingness to listen and make commitments recognising shooting and hunting is welcome.
The ADA will continue working alongside our industry colleagues to help translate that recognition into lasting benefits for hunters, regional communities and the public land we value.
