Shooters MP calls for hunted deer meat to be given to homeless Victorians and charities

The hunting of deer is allowed in Victoria and Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Jeff Bourman has proposed a ‘Hunters for the Hungry’ program whereby surplus venison is given to homeless people. Photograph: Bruce Miller/Alamy

The lone Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party MP in Victoria’s parliament has made one of his first major policy pushes of the year – to give deer meat to food banks and homeless shelters due to the high numbers being hunted.

State parliament will on Wednesday debate a motion from the upper house MP Jeff Bourman to set up a pilot program to distribute venison from government-controlled culls to food charities.