Mr Meddick is a member for the Animal Justice Party and was voted into the Legislative Council at the 2018 Victorian state election.

“With irrefutable public support, perilously low waterbird numbers, a report clearly showing the Game Management Authority’s inability to deliver compliance or enforcement, and the undeniable suffering these birds endure, it is completely irresponsible for the Andrews' Government to go ahead with this season,” Mr Meddick said.

“Although some wetlands have been closed, thousands of ducks will still be shot, many of which will die slowly in agony.

"This is unacceptable. Nothing can justify inflicting such senseless cruelty onto an animal.

“Duck rescuers are like the red cross of the wetlands, and once again we stand together on the front line of this war zone, being the ducks only hope of survival as they’re brutally shot out of the sky."

A newcomer to Parliament, Mr Meddick is the party's only sitting member on the Legislative Assembly.

The Coalition Against Duck Shooting has announced that the majority of its rescuers will be based at Kerang, near the Murray River, which is located close to several wetlands. 

Related: Which lakes will be closed to duck shooters?

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