Over the last few weeks, the “National Shooting Council” (NSC) has been making public comments about their efforts to “fight” current restrictions placed on firearms owners and licensed dealers.
The NSC has tried to position itself as the ‘Champions of shooters rights’ and have called for ‘unity’. Talk about ironic, given the efforts it has gone to, to belittle other Associations including SSAA Victoria, FGA and ADA through social media accounts and public statements. While this charade has been going on, it has been asking SSAA Victoria and others for money in private emails and via its website.
Like other Associations, SSAA Victoria politely declined the request from the NSC. SSAA Victoria then chose to ignore the derogatory comments and claims that followed.
SSAA Victoria believes it is shameful of the NSC to use the economic impact suffered by licensed dealers to stir up division and then solicit donations. Shooters deserve to know the truth before they consider giving away their hard-earned money to the NSC.
Here is what the NSC is not telling their members or other shooters.
Their own legal experts said NOT to proceed with any court action in Victoria.
The NSC spent money to get expert legal advice, then just ignored that advice. SSAA Victoria believes the NSC did this to justify soliciting donations.
A letter from Lawyers addressed to the NSC which was given to SSAA Victoria stated that:
“Any challenge to the Chief Commissioner’s variation decision may see the Attorney-General invoke even tougher restrictions.”
“I am of the view that calm and reasoned discussions with the Licensing and Regulation Division of Victoria Police as to the practical implications of the decisions may be of more benefit to the State’s licensed Firearm Dealers than what may or may not be achieved through administrative review, given the time frame for completing that process. It should be noted that during the administrative review process, the decision is not stayed and would remain in force until that process is completed.”
So, why is the NSC not listening to its own lawyers? What game is it playing?
SSAA Victoria believes that the answer centres around the ability to solicit donations.
If anyone has donated money to the NSC then it would be wise to ask if those funds will be refunded if the case does not proceed.
It is understandable that shooters are emotional about this issue. The restrictions were not necessary and the comments about a link to domestic violence were appalling.
SSAA Victoria believe the NSC is exploiting emotions to get shooters to hand over their hard-earned cash in the form of donations.
If shooters want to donate, then fair enough. Just make sure that it is not because of some manufactured hysteria designed to get people fired up and parted from their cash.
The NSC has been making accusations against SSAA Victoria and other Associations on social media sites. It has said that SSAA Victoria has been involved in ‘backroom deals’ and a mysterious politician will ‘reveal all’.
It would be laughable if it were not for the fact that some shooters might actually believe these silly comments and hand over money as a consequence.
To those shooters, SSAA Victoria says, “Save your money”. SSAA Victoria advocates on behalf of members and will lobby as many politicians and bureaucrats as possible to provide positive outcomes for its members. Other shooters and hunters also benefit from those results. It does not do “deals”.
There is no backroom deal and no mystery politician.
The real mystery is who the people behind the NSC are. Why are they misleading shooters and what are they doing with the money they are receiving? Will they refund donations if they do not go ahead with legal action?
The NSC will no doubt manufacture another story to explain why they’ll be keeping the money.
So, what is the best thing shooters can do?
Simple. Do not donate or waste your money on some dubious ‘legal action’. It is unlikely to succeed.
All indications are that the restrictions are likely to be lifted on May 11, 2020 if the Chief Medical Officer believes that it will not lead to the further spread of COVID-19.
Save your money for hunting trips or visiting a range. Better still, spend it at your local dealer because they have been hit hard by the restrictions and could really use your support.
If you want to know more, then read the comments made by the ADA about this topic. SSAA Victoria agrees with the ADA when it says, “This whole episode has been a waste of our time, a distraction from the real issues and a source of unnecessary division.”
