Australian female soldiers fighting on the front line of a future conflict would be likely to suffer "disproportionate casualties" if they came up against enemy troops, the Australia Defence Association says.

Yesterday, Defence Minister Stephen Smith announced plans to fast track the introduction of women into frontline combat roles amid a series of inquiries into cultural problems within the Australian Defence Force.

Countries including New Zealand, Canada, and Israel already allow women in some frontline positions and Mr Smith says Australian women should get the same opportunity if they are up to the job.

But ADA spokesman Neil James says women do not have the same strength as men and would be at risk of dying to satisfy the "whims of feminists" if they faced the enemy.

"The nature of war doesn't change just because some feminists kick up a fuss," he said.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/04/12/3189104.htm?section=justin

New South Wales Premier Barry O'Farrell says he will not be bowing to pressure from the Shooters and Fishers party to open the state's national parks up to recreational hunters.

The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting that the Shooters and Fishers have drawn up a "shopping list" of likely demands in return for their support in the Upper House, where they hold the balance of power with Fred Nile's Christian Democratic Party.

The party reportedly wants access to at least 29 national parks to cull feral animals and deer, and has also suggested that shooting be introduced as a school sport.

Labor's environment spokesman Luke Foley says he is concerned by the reports and says there is no justification for hunting in New South Wales parks.

"Feral animals are currently managed by culls organised by the National Parks and Wildlife Service," Mr Foley said.

"Allowing hunters to roam free in our national parks is a bridge too far. We don't want picnickers dodging bullets because of some dirty deal."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/04/13/3189971.htm