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Wedge-tailed eagles and other protected species are at risk of being incapacitated by lead poisoning in Victoria, wildlife advocates say, with illegal lead ammunition still being used to shoot ducks. Key points: High levels of lead have been found in some Victoria ducks in the last four years Lead ammunition for hunting ducks is banned in Victoria but is still used by some hunters Peak duck hunting agency says it has a “zero tolerance” policy on the use of lead bullets The Freedom of Information document reveals humans are also at risk, with lead levels in ducks “well above” food safety standards in Victoria’s four duck hunting waterways. Confidential email correspondence shows the state environmental watchdog has been aware of “elevated” lead levels in ducks from some wetlands used for hunting since 2018, but has not announced any danger or issued any warnings. The CSIRO states that even small traces of lead are extremely harmful to humans and animals, as it is highly toxic. An email

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has stepped in to prevent a potential gas shortage in Victoria, the state’s energy minister said. Key points: Energy market operator AEMO says guaranteed gas supply will ensure transparency in the market The Victorian government has ruled out lifting the wholesale gas price cap in response to pressure on supply State opposition calls for reduced gas exports from Victoria Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio told ABC Radio Melbourne that AEMO triggered a gas supply guarantee on Tuesday afternoon, as reserves at storage facilities in the state’s southwest continued to fall. “That means they will have greater visibility of gas sales and supply across markets including Victoria but in other states, to get transparency here,” he said. “When you get more transparency in the market, the market starts to change its behavior, and to be honest, the market has slipped too much here. “More visibility means, as it did in April [when the guarantee wa