Competing in international shooting competitions and attending overseas hunting trips, this month got a little easier for firearms owners. Changes to the Australian Customs Act will reduce restrictions on the import of previously prohibited items and make it easier for Australian companies to manufacture and trade in goods related to defence.
Liberal Democrats Senator David Leyonhjelm welcomed the change last week. “Someone hunting overseas or attending international shooting competitions no longer needs to ask permission of the Minister to bring their guns back,” he said. “It will cut red tape for shooters and allow customs officials and ministerial staff to concentrate on more important matters.”
SSAA Victoria Chief Executive Officer Jack Wegman applauded the Federal Government on a common-sense decision. “For many years talented Australian shooters have shied away from competing in international competitions because of the stringent and unnecessary Customs controls. This change presents an opportunity for our hunters and competition shooters to expand their horizons.”
Senator Leyonhjelm said a great deal more needed to be done to cut red tape, particularly at a state level. “There are elements of the Government who would disarm law-abiding gun owners in a heartbeat, but we will be watching them carefully in the lead up to the election,” he said. “This latest move is an encouraging sign that some concerns of shooters are being listened to in Federal Parliament once again.”