Representatives from several firearms bodies got together at the weekend to discuss issues faced by the industry. At the Combined Firearms Council of Victoria Shooting Industry Forum, issues such as the National Firearms Agreement Technical Review, the Great Forest National Park proposal and the wider public’s perception of firearms users were discussed at length.
Russell Bates – Shire of Mansfield Councillor and former Field and Game Chairman – provided an insightful update on the NFA review, which confirmed that there has yet been no review and no outcome.
A letter from Federal Justice Minister Michael Keenan launched the review last year, stating “the objective of the review is to ensure our existing firearms regulations have kept pace with advancements in technology and changes to the firearms market”.
But in November the NFA review hit an obstacle when negotiations failed at a key meeting of police ministers and legislators. This caused huge issues for Keenan who had told the government he had agreeance from the states.
Now Keenan is trying to get unanimity by negotiating with the Police Senior Officers Groups in each state. The issue will go to COAG in April, where senior officers can come with recommendations. The State Ministers will see the recommendations only two days before COAG – so this will virtually bypass State ministers.
The advice for firearms users everywhere from Russ Bates was “enter public debate at every opportunity because public opinions matter”.
Following the very quiet release of the terms of reference last year, Barry revealed the industry taskforce – comprising forest, fibre and wood products industry, unions and forest conservation groups – has been unable to select a chair. It is due to deliver recommendations to the Premier by the end of June.
Should the taskforce reach agreement on the proposal, there is still a major hurdle ahead. To create a new national park, the National Parks act must be changed. This would require support from the Upper House MPS.
So, members who want to act on the proposal are encouraged to write to Australian Senators expressing their concerns. A full list of their details is available here.
Also discussed at the forum, was turning around the public’s perception of firearms owners as ‘rednecks’ and ‘blood-thirsty killers’.
Bill Patterson encouraged all shooters to turn the public opinion by showing they were ethical hunters; concerned with conservation; had a passion for cooking and organic food or believed in conservation.