SSAA NSW

6 Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. 2018 Members Survey The 2018 Members Survey attracted a total of 4,790 members from 49 different Branches across NSW. Members told us about their experience with firearms, their views about the performance of SSAA NSW and what they wanted for the future. Members vary widely in their opinions, but on balance there are three main findings. The first is that most think SSAA NSW has been doing a good job but needs to remain focused on delivering reasonable firearms laws for law abiding firearms owners. Members endorsed its approach of working with the Police Commissioner, bureaucrats and the Firearms Registry. Secondly, SSAA NSW needs to develop an effective strategy to ensure that the media reports on issues relating to legal firearms ownership in a fair and balanced manner. Thirdly, SSAA NSW needs to support the important role that shooting plays in the lives of many members by building the sport and bringing in the next generation of sporting shooters who will keep the sport alive into the future. SSAA NSW MEMBERS TODAY Importance of firearms ownership Being a firearms owner plays an important role in the lives of many members today. One-third of the members responding to the survey (33%) said they are passionate about firearms ownership and shooting and it is a very important part of their lives. A further 20% said they are very involved and consider it an important part of their lives. One-third (35%) described themselves as involved in activities that mattered to them. Only 11% of participants said they had only a casual interest in firearms ownership and shooting. Age of members The seniority of the SSAA NSW membership was reflected in the age of participants. Close to half the membership base was over 60 years old (45%) and two-thirds were over 50 years old (67%). Among the under- 50s, only 7% were 30 years or younger and one-quarter were between 31 and 50 years (26%). Members were also overwhelmingly male. Only one out of every 25 responses was from a female (4%). THE BENEFITS OF BEING A SSAA NSW MEMBER Reasons to join SSAA NSW Members have a broad range of reasons to be a member of SSAA NSW. Most members felt it played an important role in keeping them informed about firearms, shooting activities and laws, with 91% identifying this an important reason why they are members. 13% 19% 24% 23% 31% 30% 36% 51% 56% 57% 61% 53% 22% 34% 32% 41% 39% 41% 41% 28% 30% 31% 29% 38% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Organised competitions Social and community life Access to hunting opportunities Training and education Helps me improve my shooting skills Something I can enjoy with my family and friends Pursue a particular firearm/shooting activity Support my genuine reason for my firearms licence Public liability insurance for my shooting Access to shooting ranges Support lobbying govt to change firearms laws Information about firearms, activities and laws Benefits of SSAA NSW Membership Very important Important 33% 20% 35% 11% 0% Passionate Very involved Involved Casual interest Limited interest Importance of firearms ownership 1% 6% 10% 16% 21% 26% 16% 3% 12-20 yrs 21-30 yrs 31-40 yrs 41-50 yrs 51-60 yrs 61-70 yrs 71-80 yrs > 80 yrs Age in years 22% Distance to nearest shooting range 33% 20% 35% 11% 0% Passionate Very involved Involved Casual interest Limited interest Importance of firearms ownership 1% 6% 10% 16% 21% 26% 16% 3% 12-20 yrs 21-30 yrs 31-40 yrs 41-50 yrs 51-60 yrs 61-70 yrs 71-80 yrs > 80 yrs Age in years

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