Highlighting the Benefits of Hunting and Shooting

A new report shows Australia’s 642,000 recreational hunters and shooters contributed $2.4 billion to Australia’s economy in 2018.

Deputy Leader of The Nationals and Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said the Department of Health’s Economic and Social Impacts of Recreational Hunting and Shooting report provided a strong evidence base.

“The Nationals have long been a strong supporter of our law abiding firearm owners,” Senator McKenzie said.

“A study into the socio-economic benefits of recreational hunting and shooting was part our election commitment and I am proud The Nationals have delivered on our promise.

“These traditional activities have been part of the fabric of Australian life. These activities get people out of their arm chairs and out into nature.

“The report shows that these activities provide significant health and well-being benefits to participants, with hunters and shooters more likely to meet sufficient physical activity requirements than the average Australian adult.

“The social and economic benefits it provides to the Australian community is significant, supporting more than 19,000 jobs—many in rural and regional Australia. 

“It means $1.6 billion flowing into service stations, grocery shops, cafes and accommodation and more family-owned small business owners in communities right across the country.

“I’m proud to be a law abiding firearm owner and co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Shooters Group. Shooting is a sport we excel at internationally, and it’s an important part of who we are as a nation. 

“Yet despite the accolades shooting, and its participants, are often marginalised. This report brings balance to the debate. It doesn’t matter whether your equipment is a bow, a knife or gun - we need to continue promoting the benefits of recreational hunting and sport shooting.

“Shooters and hunters should feel positive about the impact their participation has on their own health, as well as the social and economic contribution it provides to Australia, whether they’re participating at the recreational or elite level.”

The report is available here: 
https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/economic-and-social-impacts-of-recreational-hunting-and-shooting.