As I upload this, NSW shooters still wait to know if they’ll suffer under a ridiculous piece of legislation that will fail utterly to do anything but cause pain and frustration. The Firearms Amendment (Ammunition Control) Bill will not reduce crime. Politicians know it.
It was debated during its second reading in the lower house yesterday, but adjourned before it came to a vote that would see it become law. The statements made were fascinating. Following the debate was like being in one of those dreams where you’re about to be eaten by a monster and you know that if you just wake up it’ll end … only there’s no waking up.
Richard Amery, MP for Mt Druitt, said, “it is an inconvenience – probably no big deal – but I cannot see how it is preventing drive-by shootings and crime. How does this restriction on me and other legal gun owners kerb drive-by shootings in Sydney, western Sydney and so on? Clearly it does not. Silly laws like this are raised and passed to give the impression that we as legislators are doing something, doing anything. We hurt, annoy, upset and infringe on the activities of the innocent whilst the guilty just particularly laugh at us.”
The Opposition MP, who holds a shooter’s licence, had already said he would support the bill, though. Here’s why:
“From the reforms that followed the Port Arthur massacre to now we continue to create administrative nightmares for decent law-abiding citizens and tie up police resources that could be better put to use against the real gun offenders. Police want all those laws. Gun control lobbies want these types of laws. Because of the emotion behind certain offences and crimes we are all frog-marched as legislators—both sides of the political fence—into supporting them. That is why, I assume, the Government is introducing the bill and the Opposition, of which I am a member, is supporting it. I do not know why, but we will not oppose the bill. We do have to be seen to be doing something and that is why both sides of the House will support this legislative piece of nonsense.”
I’m speechless. These are our leaders. It’s all I can do to refrain from screaming. Surely they’ll stop and take a reality check?!
Nationals MP for Coffs Harbour, Andrew Fraser – a member of the Coalition Government, no less – was equally damning and said outright he wanted it dropped: “I think the bill should be withdrawn and proper consideration should be given to something that will work. This bill most certainly will not work, and I urge members not to support it.”
That was the end of yesterday’s debate. As I upload this, the bill still hasn’t gone to a vote. Will sense prevail? I don’t think I’m being cynical in saying it won’t. Politics in this country has gone beyond cynicism. Farce is the new reality.
Cheers,
Mick Matheson
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