SSAA NSW

Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. 5 metallic silhouette targets, re-loading sheds and the upgrade of firing lines. A Range Review Committee has been established to review restrictions on current ranges including calibre ceilings, templates, range approvals and noise, with the aim of providing alternative solutions to increase utilisation of existing ranges. Match Ownership… The confusion around match ownership and the restriction of access to matches by associations claiming ownership has become an issue that has affected our Branches and Affiliate Clubs. SSAA NSW has recently submitted its view to the Firearms Registry which states: • in the interests of growing and promoting the shooting sports all approved matches should be made available to any club wishing to conduct the match at a local level provided it is conducted safely, in accordance with approved rules and is suitable to the range template, • SSAA NSW members, Branches and Affiliate Clubs have the appropriate insurance to enable them to participate in and conduct any matches that are approved for NSW, • associations and peak bodies do not have ownership or intellectual property rights over match rules, • the National Firearms Agreement, Firearms Act 1996 and the Firearms Regulation 2006 do not contain any requirements for the approval of match rules, • there is no requirement in a number of other states and territories for match rules to be approved and, in a majority of cases there is no requirement for individual matches to be listed on range approval documents, • determination and regulation of ownership of match rules is not the duty of the Firearms Registry unless it relates to a safety issue associated with a particular range or operation of a particular match, and • Firearms Registry is encouraged to undertake a review of its match approval process. Hunting… 2016, through the release of a number of government reports, has seen the formal recognition of recreational hunters and the valuable role they play in conservation and protection of the environment through pest animal management activities. SSAA NSW has long been advocating that volunteer shooters and hunters are an underutilised resource, and this is an area where our members, and we as an organisation, can make a greater contribution. As with any problem, there is rarely one solution and pest animal management is no different. Different models are needed for different situations and to meet differing objectives. SSAA NSW has a number of 'tools in its toolbox' including: • NPWS Supplementary Pest Control Program with its main objective being pest animal control, • R-Licence State Forest model with its main aim to provide recreational hunting opportunities, • Farmer Assist is aimed at building relationships between landowners and recreational hunters to assist with pest animal management, and • Local Land Services is the latest opportunity being developed with the aim being local participation to assist with specific pest animal problems. Representation… SSAA NSW is recognised by our members as a credible voice representing the shooting sports and recreational hunting. We continue to build upon our reputation as the 'go to' body for these in New South Wales. This position is evidenced by our invitation to join, and inclusion in, a number of forums and consultation groups. SSAA NSW supports firearms legislation that is evidence based, not onerous on law abiding firearms owners and is effective in reducing illegal firearms and gun crime. We have stated our position on NSW Firearms Laws on page 2. As the peak body representing the shooting sports and recreational hunting in New South Wales, SSAA NSW will continue to advocate for sensible and fair firearms laws and oppose unnecessary and unfair restrictions on law abiding firearms owners. It's important for members to understand that SSAA NSW will always act in the best interests of its members and the Association. After all, it is the only credible voice for our large and diverse membership. Merry Christmas… Thank you to everyone who works hard to ensure the continued success of SSAA NSW. Our organisation relies heavily on the generosity and dedication of many volunteers at Branch, club and State level who give of their time tirelessly to make sure our members and visitors can continue to enjoy their chosen sport. The staff at the SSAA NSW office are a dedicated team of people who are always doing their best to service our members. Thank you for your support over the past year, and I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous 2017. Diana Melham Executive Director - SSAA (NSW) Inc.

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