No, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander hunters must comply with the laws relating to animal cruelty in all states and territories.
Prior to 2012, in Queensland, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were exempt from animal cruelty laws in accordance with Aboriginal tradition or Islander custom under the Queensland Animal Care and Protection Act 2001. However, in 2012, Section 8 of the Queensland Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 was amended (under the Animal Care and Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2012) and it is now a requirement that animals hunted under Aboriginal tradition or Islander custom are dealt with in a way that causes them as little pain as is reasonable.
