No kids given bird kill licence, says department

March 1, 2016 9:52pm

JESSICA HOWARDMercury

NO recreational shearwater harvesting licences were issued to young children as was widely reported last year, says the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment.

The Tasmanian Conservation Trust last year revealed that the department’s records showed in 2013 and 2014, licences were issued to four people who recorded their birth dates as 2011 or later, which prompted a pledge from DPIPWE for a review.

A DPIPWE spokesman said yesterday that an investigation discovered that no such permits were issued — the report was based on an incorrect data entry.

“Regardless, there are arrangements in place to reduce the risk of such incidents occurring,” he said.

“It is important to note that harvesting of shearwaters is a significant cultural activity for sections of Tasmania’s Aboriginal community, which the government recognises. Often these activities involve all family members, including children.”

Applications for children listed as nine years or younger are referred to the department’s wildlife management branch for assessment of competence.

Source …