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The Victorian Government’s Little Angler Program has finally been axed – and it’s a win for animals.
After continued pressure from Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell, the state government announced the cancellation of the junior fishing program as part of a cost-saving measure, redirecting funds toward more essential services like health and education.
The program existed to provide free fishing kits to Grade 5 students across Victoria, encouraging children to take up fishing as an outdoor activity.
Wildlife Victoria has reported a 158% increase in wildlife cases involving discarded fishing line and hooks between 2023 and 2025, since the introduction of the program.
The Little Angler Kit provided instruction on fishing techniques, safety and fishing regulations, but did not include important details on avoiding fishing near wildlife, responding to wildlife entanglements, retrieving lost fishing line and tackle, or the responsible disposal of fishing line, hooks and other fishing gear.
Swans, flying foxes, kookaburras, tawny frogmouths and countless other native animals that have fallen victim to discarded hooks and line entanglement resulting in numerous deaths and injuries.
Sustained advocacy and pressure placed on various government bodies by the Animal Justice Party and councillors at Maribrynong City Council has finally ended the concerning impacts on local wetlands, native birds, aquatic wildlife and biodiverse habitats.
Protecting the river and its wildlife requires a coordinated response involving a range of authorities including Victoria Fisheries, Parks Victoria, adjoining councils, Melbourne Water and more.
