Issue link: http://ssaansw.uberflip.com/i/1059218
6 Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. Market Research General Population Survey The SSAA NSW general population study on fi rearms attitudes provides a unique insight into the views of NSW residents towards fi rearms ownership and how well they understand laws that apply to fi rearms owners. The study explored attitudes in-depth among more than 1000 NSW residents and tested whether their attitudes changed once they had a clear picture about the current status of fi rearms laws. The results demonstrate four main fi ndings: • Mixed views about ownership: There are currently mixed views among the NSW public about fi rearms ownership and use. • Neutral impression about owners: A majority of the NSW public do not have a negative view of fi rearms owners and the largest proportion have no real impression. • Ignorance of laws: There is a substantial lack of knowledge about the laws relating to fi rearms. • Knowledge increases acceptance: Improving the knowledge of the general public about fi rearms leads to a higher level of acceptance of fi rearms ownership and use in NSW. Current attitudes towards fi rearms ownership The fundamental question the survey put to the participants related to whether they accepted or opposed fi rearms: What is your attitude towards fi rearms ownership and use by Australian civilians? Responses showed that 30% of people accept fi rearms ownership, 13% have no strong opinion and 57% oppose it. This adds up to roughly a 40:60 split between those who accept and those who oppose fi rearm ownership. Perceptions of fi rearm owners An important issue for many members of SSAA NSW is the perception that exists about fi rearms owners, so the survey asked participants: What impression do you have of those NSW residents who are legally licensed to own fi rearms in NSW? Contrary to a belief among many fi rearms owners that the public in general has a negative perception, the results reveal that only 8% of the population has a very negative view of legally licenced fi rearm owners and a further 20% have a negative view.