Robertson offers Shooters MPs new deal to hunt in national parks

"Mr Robertson's plan to allow hunting in 13 national parks raises
doubts about his ability to handle the environment portfolio," Ms
Rhiannon said.

"This is an explosive political issue for Labor. The move by the
current Environment Minister is a huge set back to Premier Nathan Rees'
attempt to rebuild an environmentally friendly image for his
government.

"Hunting in national parks has nothing to do with managing feral
animals. It is an attempt by Labor to do a deal with the Shooters Party
MPs to secure support for their legislative program.

"Mr Robertson's decision to reopen talks with the Shooters MPs on
hunting in national parks is a set back for Carmel Tebbutt and Verity
Firth who are up against a strong Greens challenge in their inner city
seats.

"It is understood that Treasurer Eric Roozendaal joined Mr Robertson at
the negotiations with the Shooters MPs. This shows high level Labor
government support for the deal.
 
"There is widespread community anger about the Shooters bill to hunt in
national parks.

"The Greens parliamentary office has received more than a thousand
emails and letters calling for the plan to be rejected.

"The concerns raised by the public covers issues to do with public
safety, environmental damage and animal welfare," Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information -     Lee Rhiannon - 0427 861 568, 9230 3551