The control of feral animals was an important political issue during the last state election. 

In fact I recall at the Willow Tree Meet-the-Candidates’ meeting on February 7, 2015 that many constituents raised concerns about this matter as a consequence of the irresponsible funding-reduction by the then and still remaining government. 

The majority of candidates at the Willow Tree Bowling Club on that day agreed pest control should be conducted through the auspices of a properly funded pest control department and not through hunting. 

Surprisingly, given how this matter was then and continues to be so important in this electorate, the ultimately victorious candidate disagreed and by way of illustration in a bid to allay concerns about ‘hunting’ raised that he had introduced his son to ‘hunting’ when the young lad was 12 years old … all would be well. 

At the time I thought his response was a very disappointing counter to a genuine concern that clearly ought to be addressed both humanely and adequately through a properly funded government pest control department. 

The truth of the matter is that the relevant body which always oversaw this important work has had its funding slashed by the current NSW Government, and the chutzpah of the local member’s son, along with references from local hunting organisations requesting for a ‘full time government subsidised role’ on page one of our local paper, beggars belief.