A dozen Tasmanian hunting and shooting organisations have joined forces to oppose proposed firearm caps and buybacks, and to advocate for evidence-based policy that targets genuine public safety risks.
It follows the imposition of poorly conceived firearms legislation in Western Australia and NSW, and the threat in other states, including Tasmania, of ownership limits, buybacks and the restrictive re-categorisation of firearms.
The new alliance, dubbed Shooting, Hunting and Outdoors Tasmania (SHOT), is made up of 12 organisations:
- Arms Collectors Guild
- Australian Deer Association, Tasmania
- Tasmanian Deer Advisory Council
- Field & Game Australia
- Field Hunting & Conservation Tasmania
- Sporting Shooters Association of Australia, Tasmania
- Tasmanian Clay Target Association
- Tasmanian Firearms Dealers
- Tasmania Pistol Association
- Tasmanian Rifle Association
- Tasmanian Sporting Clays Inc
- Shooting Industry Foundation of Australia (SIFA)
The alliance will “help build a coordinated response to proposed laws that would impose caps and buybacks on licensed firearm owners without addressing criminal misuse, illegal supply or system failures,” SIFA CEO James Walsh said.
“Tasmania’s shooting community deserves a strong, organised and evidence-based voice,” he said.
“Changes to policy must address intelligence and system failures.
“Caps and buybacks do not identify risk, improve information sharing, remove firearms from criminals or stop terrorists. They target people who are already licensed, registered and compliant.”
Caps and buybacks do not improve public safety, he added.
“Firearm laws should be developed through evidence, consultation and proper analysis, not political pressure following a tragedy.”
He pointed out that the SHOT alliance has not been formed to oppose all law reforms after the Bondi attack.
It supports measures that will strengthen inter-agency information sharing, target disruption of illegal firearm markets and improve policing of the criminal possession and use of firearms.
Mr Walsh said SIFA and its fellow organisations in SHOT would “advocate for practical reform that supports public safety while recognising the needs, economic contribution and cultural heritage of lawful firearm ownership and outdoor activity in Tasmania.”
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