Shooting representatives still have major concerns about the proposed new NSW Health Risk Assessment (HRA) guidelines despite having successfully had the most recent version withdrawn for revision.
The NSW government has backed down on its proposal to do risk assessments of shooters based on tattoos, scars and even their dress sense, and has apparently made other concessions, with a new draft being presented to the Firearms Registry Consultative Council (FRCC), which includes shooting organisations.
The new draft is not yet public but it appears the changes have not gone far enough.
Libertarian Party MP John Ruddick said in parliament yesterday the new draft was “unacceptable”.
“Make no mistake, the guidelines are there to make it harder to own a firearm,” he said. “I was pleased when the guidelines were wound back somewhat but there are still serious concerns.”
The original police-drafted guidelines had directed mental health professionals to take into account a person’s “age, attire, grooming, hygiene, and any tattoos or scars” when assessing their suitability to hold a firearms licence.
The guidelines would have applied to shooters if at some point in the past 15 years that had felt anxiety or depression.
The reaction against the proposed guidelines was swift and strong after pro-shooting MP Roy Butler’s office in mid-December expressed serious concerns about them to senior NSW police and contacted the police minister, Yasmin Catley, to request a meeting about it.
Ongoing pressure from them and other groups within parliament and externally has been continued since.
This week, the police minister had various meetings over the matter with independent MPs Roy Butler and Phil Donato, with Robert Borsak and Mark Banasiak of the Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party, and with John Ruddick of the Libertarian Party.
Sporting Shooter understands the minister has agreed to numerous amendments that were proposed by them.
In a video posted to social media, Mr Banasiak said, “That checklist that asks people to be assessed on tattoos, scars, hair, appearance, is out the window.”
However, these concessions appear to be only a small step in the right direction.
“Still more changes are required and this is by no means finished,” James Walsh, CEO of the Shooting Industry Foundation Australia (SIFA), said, adding that he was pleased Minister Catley had ensured the FRCC was now being consulted.
Earlier, Mr Ruddick had tabled a motion requesting all documents and communications relating to the creation of the guidelines and SIFA has put in a freedom of information request for similar documents.
Mr Walsh said the documents would provide insights into what evidence underlined the guidelines, the agenda behind them and where it was coming from.
He pointed out that the FRCC was advised of the police agenda, the final draft was never presented for consultation.
“Those who are changing policy need to present the evidence,” he said. “Policy should be evidence based.”
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