Laurie Levy - Coalition Against Duck Shooting
Q: How did you first get involved with rescuing ducks?
A: In 1986, I saw images of duck shooting—birds being wounded, no one helping them. So we pulled together 15 rescuers and went out against 100,000 shooters. We brought back injured birds, and for the first time the public saw them on the evening news. It was never a protest—it was always a rescue mission.
Q: You’ve been doing this for 40 years. How have you kept going?
A: The government and the gun lobby were powerful, and the environment groups often sided with shooters. We modelled ourselves on the Red Cross: going into a war zone to help victims. Once we began, the media attention was huge—about $3 million worth of coverage in a single weekend. People from all over wanted to join us. I couldn’t stop, because if we gave up, the shooters would win.
Q: Do you think the end of duck shooting will come?
A: Yes. Western Australia banned it in 1990, just months after we campaigned there. It’s already banned in WA, NSW, and Queensland. Victoria has always been the hardest—the gun lobby is strong, and both major parties support shooters. But public opinion is shifting.
Q: This must have taken a personal toll.
A: It has. I sold everything to finance the campaign. We’re all volunteers—no wages. But that’s why the team is strong: people join because they believe in it. During duck season, the public chips in with donations that keep us going.
Q: What’s been the impact on you personally?
A: I’ve given my life to this. I’m 83 now and slowing down, but I won’t give up until it’s over. I’ve been vegetarian since 1972, simply because I don’t believe in killing animals. This country has extraordinary wildlife, yet we abuse it—shooting kangaroos, even koalas from helicopters. Too often, it’s left to the public to defend our animals.
Q: Who will continue this after you?
A: Georgie Purcell from the Animal Justice Party. She’s an outstanding spokesperson, strategist, and has real presence. I’d hand the campaign to her in a heartbeat. But being from a small party, she’ll need support to stay in parliament.
Q: Do you have any regrets?
A: A few. In 1988, Joan Kirner wanted to ban duck shooting but needed NSW to move with her. Barry Unsworth said no. Later, during the drought in 2009–10, we had moratoriums and were close to a permanent ban, but leadership changed and it fell through. More recently, despite winning a parliamentary inquiry, Jacinta Allan overruled it.
Q: Where do you see the future?
A: I’ve pushed for a First Nations–led wetlands tourism industry. Birdwatching already brings $2.6 billion into Australia each year. A nature-based alternative could rival the Phillip Island penguins and support regional communities as well as Traditional Owners. That’s the future.
Q: After everything, what drives you?
A: I couldn’t let those bastards win. That’s what it comes down to.