SSAA NSW

7 ISSUE 60 DECEMBER 2020 • Banning of Bump stocks: We believe Bump stocks should only be banned for prohibited weapons as they do not change the rate of fire of Category A or B firearms but can assist in recoil management. • Preparation for a permanent national amnesty: Good outcome but may need more work if the proposed model is restrictive. FIREARMS AND WEAPONS LEGISLATION (CRIMINAL USE) BILL 2020. While the regulations review was a positive exercise with our regulators, I cannot say the same about the proposed Firearms and Weapons Legislation (Criminal Use) Bill 2020. From the beginning, SSAA NSW has communicated with Members and sought feedback. We have been overwhelmed by the numerous responses outlining concerns regarding the direct impact of the Bill (if passed) on shooting activities and chosen disciplines. We know this issue is important to our members and to all law-abiding firearms owners across NSW, which is why we have made it the featured article of this edition of the NSW Shooter magazine. Please see the feature article on page 18 for a more in-depth exploration of the unintended consequences of the Bill and my report on our advocacy progress. BRANCH VISITS As COVID-19 restrictions started to relax, Jai and I visited 13 Branches, some of whom needed the support of our association for various issues – usually range related. It was a real pleasure to participate in these visits and it was impressive to see how most Branches have managed drought, fire, flood and COVID-19. Batemans Bay have done an amazing job recovering from the fires that devastated their range and their community late last year. There was a need to change their access to the Pacific Highway. After stopping half way down a hill to turn right, into the hard-to-see range access, with a blind corner only 100 metres behind me, I understood the expectations of the local council. In truth, the access was dangerous for our members. Batemans Bay did a huge amount of fundraising and were successful in securing grants to assist in their rebuild, but the road access was still out of their reach. This would mean all the good work on a wonderful range would be wasted, if the council refused to allow access. The SSAA NSW Board had already agreed to a request from Batemans Bay for support and it was a pleasure to announce funding of up to $110K for the quoted roadworks. Albury is a new SSAA NSW Branch and has developed from 65 members to 450 members in only 18 months – such is the energy of the Branch and the power of our brand. Branch President, Tony, has committed to 1500 members soon – good luck, Tony! Wagga Wagga are also developing their range for more infrastructure. They successfully managed the fallout template that could have closed them a few years ago. After completing those works, they are now adding shotgun and pistol ranges to their site. Great work from a great Branch. All other Branches we visited are in good space, with only two Branches needing ongoing support from the Board, Jai and our team to resolve their challenges.

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