A petition asking the government to reject changes to firearms legislation without proper consultation has been debated in the Victorian Upper House ahead of a community firearms forum in Bendigo next Thursday.
The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said the petition sponsored by her colleague Melina Bath MP attracted more than 12,500 signatures.
Ms Broad said debate on the petition came after the Allan Labor Government announced a review of Victoria’s firearm laws to be conducted by former Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay AO APM.
“The thousands of people who signed this petition have urged the government to properly enforce existing laws, and not rush into any hasty changes,” Ms Broad said.
“We all agree community safety must come first but rushed legislative change will potentially hurt responsible, law-abiding firearm owners without improving public safety or reducing the risk of serious crime and terrorism.
Ms Broad said the Parliamentary debate on the petition was timely as it came ahead of a firearms forum in Bendigo next Thursday, April 9.
“This is a great opportunity for interested people to come along and hear about the latest issues facing genuine, law-abiding firearm owners,” Ms Broad said.
“The Nationals believe any review must be evidence-led, not politically motivated. Firearm owners deserve a genuine seat at the table – not token consultation after decisions have already been made behind closed doors.”
The forum will begin at 6pm next Thursday at the Bendigo Exhibition Centre, Bendigo Showgrounds, Holmes Road, Bendigo.
The evening will be hosted by Senator Bridget McKenzie, Leader of the Victorian Nationals’ Danny O’Brien MP, Melina Bath MP, Gaelle Broad MP and special guest Barry Howlett from the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia – Victoria.
Admission is free, but bookings are required via TryBooking on http://www.vicn.at/Bendigo-Firearms-Forum
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
