The State Government’s decision to reject proposed firearm ownership caps following the independent review of Victoria’s firearms laws was a win for common sense, The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said today.
The review was launched by the state following the tragic Bondi attack, which prompted a fresh assessment of Victoria’s firearms laws.
Led by former Victoria Police Commissioner Ken Lay AO APM, the review received more than 500 submissions and included 40 face-to-face consultations across the state, including a firearms forum hosted by Ms Broad in Bendigo.
The Bendigo Firearms Forum was attended by the Leader of the Victorian Nationals, Danny O’Brien MP, and Senator for Victoria, the Hon Bridget McKenzie MP, and drew a huge crowd including recreational shooters, hunters, and business operators.
Ms Broad said the outcome showed the value of genuine community consultation.
“At the Bendigo forum, participants made it clear that firearm caps were neither practical nor acceptable,” she said.
“Many sporting shooters require up to eight firearms to compete in a single discipline, while those involved in pest and vermin control need access to firearms of different calibres to carry out their work effectively. Being able to choose the right firearm for the task also supports safer outcomes.
“It was also highlighted that firearm caps could have unintended consequences for young people participating in shooting sports.
“Because firearms used by those under 18 must be registered under a parent’s licence, proposed caps could have forced families to choose between supporting a child’s participation in organised shooting sports or retaining firearms required for farming, recreation or preserving family heirlooms.
“Reducing the number of legally owned firearms would not stop criminals obtaining illegal weapons, nor would it have prevented tragedies such as the Bondi attack,” Ms Broad said.
“I thank everyone from Northern Victoria who took the time to participate in the consultation process and ensure regional voices were heard,” she said.
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
