October 21, 2016
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says it should be left up to the states and territories to determine future regulation of legal firearm importation.
Mr Chester said the national debate this week regarding the lever-action Adler firearm had become irrational and it was time for informed deliberations.
A temporary ban on the importation of lever action shotguns fitted with a magazine capacity of more than five rounds was introduced in 2015, and will remain in place until the review of the National Firearm Agreement is completed.
“I am a strong supporter of the right for law-abiding citizens to own firearms for legal use in sport, recreation and work-related purposes such as pest animal control,” Mr Chester said.
“The States and Territories have primary responsibility for the regulation of firearms. The Federal Coalition Government will work to find a sensible balance between respecting the rights of registered firearm owners while keeping Australia’s gun laws strong.
Mr Chester said a review of the National Firearms Agreement (NFA) was underway.
“The National Firearms Agreement (NFA) sets out a national approach to the regulation of firearms that should be followed by all jurisdictions,” he said.
“The review of the NFA is not about targeting law abiding gun owners. Rather, the review focuses on simplifying the agreement and ensuring that it remains current today.
“The regulation of firearms is of interest to people living in regional communities. This is especially the case in Gippsland, which is a favoured destination for sporting shooters and legal hunting in Victoria. Both pursuits support local businesses and underpin regional jobs.
“For this reason, we have consulted broadly to ensure that any changes to the agreement continue to strike an appropriate balance between community safety and the rights of licensed firearm users.”
Mr Chester said the NFA review had involved consultation with the firearms community (industry and recreational groups), community safety organisations, and individuals to produce sensible, practical changes where required.
The Sporting Shooters Association of Australia, Shooting Australia, the Firearms Safety Foundation of Victoria were represented.
The review of the NFA is due to be considered by Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers later this year.