A “game-changing” meeting of national firearms representative groups took place in Canberra last week, convened by the Shooting Industry Foundation of Australia (SIFA).
The 14 May meeting welcomed representatives from the SSAA, Shooters Union, Field & Game Australia, IPSC Australia, Sporting Clays Australia and the National Rifle Association of Australia.
A key topic of the meeting was exploring how the various national shooting organisations could work together and co-ordinate approaches on key issues affecting all responsible firearms users, businesses and members of the Australian shooting community.
SIFA CEO James Walsh said the foundation had been working on the initiative for a long time, and was pleased with how the event had come together.
“The first meeting was a success,” he said. “There is lots of work that needs to be done leading into the next meeting, but the planning behind it will be a game changer for the entire Australian shooting community in advocacy.
“It gets everyone on the same page … and lets policymakers know we cannot be divided.”
He said some of the invited national groups were unable to attend the initial meeting but planned to be at future ones, and would be welcomed.
The Australian shooting industry has struggled with cohesion, unity and collaboration, Mr Walsh said, and getting the national firearm representative groups together was a critical part of changing that.
“Given all the various changes to firearms policy across the country at the moment, it’s important everyone is working together in order to represent all shooters across Australia,” he said.
Shooters Union president Graham Park attended the meeting and said it was very productive, highlighting how much common ground existed between the various firearm representative groups.
“It was a highly productive gathering of pro-shooting groups which will help us all protect the rights of Australian firearms users against the growing attacks on us all across the country,” he said.
“Shooters Union has always been committed to working with other shooting organisations to get a better deal for all responsible firearms users, and being involved with initiatives like this one is a key part of that.
“There was a lot to discuss, and a lot of important areas covered. Planning and development from the meeting are continuing and we are looking forward to continuing the conversations with our fellow peak bodies in the near future.”
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