Recent discussions between SSAA Victoria, Field & Game Australia (FGA), Australian Deer Association (ADA) and senior State Government advisors have delivered significant results, and we expect further progress in the near future.
Coordinated efforts by SSAA Victoria, FGA and ADA have achieved positive outcomes. These achievements include the removal of restrictions on pest control activities, the 12-month extension for all hunting licences and the ability to provide members with ammunition sales for pest control activities.
What these results show is that working with senior Government advisors and Victoria Police delivers better outcomes for shooters. The State Government has detailed the pre-requisites for the potential easing of some of the current restrictions. It is the expectation of SSAA Victoria, FGA and ADA that restrictions on our members will be lifted.
Conversations with senior Government advisers have been very promising. SSAA Victoria, FGA and ADA welcome these indications and look forward to further discussions.
Relevant Ministers and authorities have shown that they genuinely appreciate the cooperation that has been shown by the licensed firearms community and we are very hopeful there will be a positive outcome in the near future for the sector. This is made possible because of the efforts of all parties involved in working with the measures currently in place.
There has been much conjecture about legal options and avenues that could be pursued. SSAA Victoria, FGA and ADA would like to reiterate that under advice from expert legal opinion, the best way to proceed is to continue with direct conversations with senior Government advisers and authorities.
Each Association has an obligation to deliver the best results possible for their respective membership and to allocate available funds responsibly. Neither SSAA Victoria, FGA nor ADA will waste resources on exploitative activities that promise much but in reality, deliver little.
We need to remember that all sectors of Australian life have been impacted by COVID-19. Many people and businesses are experiencing tough times. SSAA Victoria, FGA and ADA will do all that is possible to protect the rights and interests of our members and the activities of licensed firearms dealers across Victoria. Together, we look forward to the quick resumption of sporting and recreational shooting activities.
While SSAA Victoria, FGA and ADA strongly disagree with the restrictions that were put in place, the Associations acknowledge the role of State Government and authorities in facilitating a review of current restrictions with the aim of a swift resolution.
