The Nationals have reinforced their support for sports shooters, hunters, and farmers at a packed forum in Morwell where attendees were united in opposition against threats to the rights of law-abiding firearms owners.
Nationals Leader Danny O’Brien, Member for Eastern Victoria Region Melina Bath, and Member for Morwell Martin Cameron were joined by Senator Bridget McKenzie, Field & Game Australia life member Gary Howard OAM, and a crowd of 150 firearms owners from across Gippsland.
The forum provided an opportunity for community members to hear directly from elected representatives, ask questions and discuss the potential impacts the proposed legislative changes may have on firearm owners, sporting shooters, hunters and regional communities.
The Allan Labor Government announced a review of Victoria’s firearm laws which was conducted by former Victoria Police Chief Commissioner, Ken Lay AO APM, in the wake of the Bondi terrorist attack.
“Victoria already has some of the strongest firearms laws in Australia. The knee-jerk review that was conducted unfairly targeted our law-abiding sporting shooters, recreational shooters, and farmers,” Mr Cameron said.
“Licensed firearm owners should not be treated as though they are responsible for the actions of criminals.
“We owe it to our law-abiding firearms owners to continually work to protect their rights and ensure they are not unfairly targeted by shallow symbolic policy.”
Nearly 100,000 Victorians signed petitions led by The Nationals calling on the state government to reject one of the recommendations which proposed a cap on the number of firearms a licensed person can own.
While commonsense prevailed when that recommendation was rejected, Ms Bath, who is the Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, said law-abiding firearms owners were still wary of threats posed by legislation informed by ideology rather than reality.
“There is no evidence to prove that arbitrary caps on firearm ownership have any impact on reducing large-scale terrorist events, so it was the right call to reject that particular recommendation” she said.
“Firearms owners are often misrepresented and subject to negative commentary, but governments should instead focus on the real issues of firearms trafficking and organised crime.
“The overwhelming majority follow strict regulations, contribute positively to our regional communities, care for our environment, and conduct vital feral animal management.
“The Nationals will closely examine the legislation when it is released to ensure the rights of licensed firearm owners are protected.”
