This petition of Queensland citizens draws to your attention: • Shooting native birdlife is not sporting • Up to 1.5 times the number of birds bagged are left behind injured • Many protected species are illegally shot during duck season • Ducks have social systems and often lifelong monogamous partners • Proper enforcement of the regulations is impossible • Spent shots from lead pellets causes lead poisoning to other birds and the environment In New South Wales, where recreational duck shooting has been banned since 1995, a scientific study on rice fields was commenced. It is now thought that instead of damaging crops, waterbirds may in fact be helping farmers by keeping down the number of real pests, such as blood worms, snails and other invertebrates. Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to act urgently to amend the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and ban the practice of recreational duck and quail shooting in Queensland.