NSW Hunting Bill: Liberals split with Nationals over controversial legislation

The NSW Liberals have sensationally split from the Nationals and will not support a contentious hunting bill, warning that the party cannot support a “taxpayer-funded NRA-style lobby group”.

The Liberals voted at shadow cabinet on Monday night to oppose the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers bill, which included the establishment of a new hunting authority, but the Nationals will go their own way and support the legislation with some amendments.

Premier Chris Minns on Monday walked back his support for one of the most controversial aspects of the bill, which would have enshrined the “right to hunt” in NSW law.

Minns said he was concerned “it might evoke this idea that there’s a right to bear arms, like we’ve seen in the United States”. Labor is still finalising its position on other sections