Issue link: http://ssaansw.uberflip.com/i/1089320
14 Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. Hunters also help to preserve wetlands, which can accommodate species that may be hunted (such as ducks) while also providing a haven for protected species. Our two new Victorian representatives, Tim Quilty MLC and David Limbrick MLC, have vowed to defend the legitimate activity of duck hunting from groups like the Greens and the Labor Party's anti-duck hunting members. The Liberal Democrats in NSW are just as determined to protect and expand the role of hunters. • Mark Latham 1. How would your party support funding to expand shooting ranges and increase participation in shooting sports? NSW One Nation has already announced a policy of transferring funds from elite arts activities in Sydney to cultural events and facilities in country and regional NSW. We regard recreational shooting as a vital mainstream sport and cultural activity in the State and would enthusiastically support government funding for the expansion of shooting ranges and increased participation in shooting sports. The NSW Government has over-subsidised elite arts activities in Sydney (many of which have degenerated into wacky Left- wing political propaganda) and under-supported the many thousands of people in NSW who enjoy recreational shooting. 2. Would your party support an effective Firearms Consultative Committee that included SSAA NSW to assist the Government in developing legislation that is evidence based, supports law abiding firearm owners, is in the public interest and targets the criminal use of firearms? Yes, we support such a Committee. We are great supporters of law-abiding firearm owners who deserve greater public recognition for their role in storing their guns as safely as possible, keeping them out of the wrong hands. Our four priorities are to: 1. Recognise that as a matter of principle, licensed firearm ownership by law-abiding citizens for legitimate business purposes (such as farming) and recreational pursuits is a right in a free society. 2. Maintain the 1996 national gun laws that have played a role in preventing public massacres in Australia for 23 years, allowing shooters to get on with their sport without constant calls in parliament for gun law tightening and increasingly Draconian restrictions on gun ownership. 3. Crack down on the illegal importation of guns into Australia as a vital public safety measure. 4. Minimise the chance of radical Islamic terrorists getting hold of weaponry in Australia for their evil purposes. 3. What do you see as the contribution of the combined shooting sports to NSW. If you see a value, how can your party assist to support this important part of the economy? As a nation, we cheer for our shooting champions at the Olympics and the same level of public support and enthusiasm should apply in the four years in between. One Nation rejects the Green-Left demonisation of shooters. In particular, we want to assist shooting ranges and clubs with their land tenure issues. Our NSW Leader Mark Latham is particularly keen to establish land use security for the Silverdale and Kentlyn clubs he has visited in recent times, ending any uncertainty about their future. We will assist other shooting ranges that have similar issues. Shooting sports make an important contribution to the NSW economy and must always be supported. They should be viewed by government as no different to any other sport that has mass grassroots participation, plus the high-level expertise of Olympic competitors. 4. What does your party understand as the benefits of "conservation and wildlife management" and does your party see a role for law abiding firearms owners as a valuable tool in pest animal management? In January, NSW One Nation released a policy for country NSW outlining how we will: Take more decisive action to assist farmers and rural communities with the eradication of pests, feral species and the damage caused by native animal plagues. In south-west NSW, for instance, we will allow crack recreational shooters into native parks to help cull the kangaroo problem. Where similar problems exist in other parts of the State, we will do the same, harnessing the expertise of shooters who are highly experienced, safe and efficient. One Nation believes in practical, common-sense solutions to problems. The question of 'conservation and wildlife management' should not be captive to out-of-touch Green- Left ideology. Very often the best conservation solution comes from ignoring the Greens and bringing in people who know what they are doing. With the State Election looming this month we ask that all our members take the time to review and consider voting for a pro-firearm pro-SSAA NSW party. In unity there is strength. Election 2019