SSAA NSW

4 Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. From Diana's Desk Evidence based firearms legislation – the sensible approach... SSAA NSW, continually advocates its position that firearms laws and policies need to be evidence based and not a result of knee jerk reaction to emotion and misinformation so often peddled by the media and anti-gun groups. Last year's COAG decision to re- classify lever action shotguns was another example of the Government's poor judgement and unwillingness to base firearms laws and policy on facts and evidence. The ludicrous decision was ill informed and appeared only aimed at appeasing the noisy anti-gun lobby who continue to espouse misinformation and manipulate the community and decision makers to achieve their own anti-gun agendas. On the horizon is the review of the NSW Firearms Regulation 2006 and our State is not alone in having firearms legislation reviews. Our colleagues in Western Australia, Tasmania, South Australia and Queensland are also at varying stages of legislation reviews. In the December edition of NSW Shooter Quarterly Review SSAA NSW published its position on NSW Firearms Laws and this will form the basis of our representations to the review. 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. More specifically SSAA NSW asserts that a person who is deemed a fit and proper person to hold a firearms licence shouldn't be subject to further restrictions and will push for the removal of unnecessary requirements relating to registration of longarms, categorisation of sporting firearms, restriction of firearms based on appearance, different genuine reasons for recreational and sporting use, mandatory attendances for longarms, and the need for collectors to render firearms permanently inoperable where they have appropriate safe storage. SSAA NSW will continue to call for the abolition of the Ammunition Control Bill 2012 and the removal of unnecessarily restrictive criteria and conditions currently imposed on access to suppressors for recreational and sporting use. Of utmost importance is a united approach from all bodies that support firearms ownership and the shooting sports. Division achieves nothing except to play right into the hands of the greens and the anti-gun agenda of divide and conquer. We have all faced adversity, but diverting the blame on to others that are working to achieve the same goals is simply counterproductive. Recently, we've seen other pro-firearms bodies taking cheap shots at, and making false unsubstantiated claims about, the SSAA NSW position and efforts. We all at some time face criticism, but a common voice is the only way to achieve good outcomes. No one body can alone achieve positive results for firearms owners and the shooting sports – we're better off directing criticism to those that are responsible for negative decisions and instead, working towards a common goal using our varied resources to achieve outcomes that will deliver positive benefits to licensed firearms owners and the shooting sports. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS – A CHANCE TO BE INVOLVED… Annual General Meetings are also a perfect opportunity for those members who want an input into their Branch to step up and be counted! AGMs are a perfect time for members to become involved in their Branch, as well as receive reports and updates from their Branch Committee on the activities of the previous year and elect Committee members for the coming year. More often than not Branches have difficulty filling Committee positions, which results in the same people having to re-stand and, where all positions are not filled, the same small group having to shoulder the workload resulting from administrative requirements, managing range facilities and providing activities and opportunities for its members. Being part of a Branch Committee also enables interested members to find out more about how the association operates, be better informed and have the opportunity to provide feedback and input. The first six months of the year is AGM season and many of you may have already received your meeting notice or even attended your Branch AGM. It's a legal requirement for all Branches, SSAA NSW and SSAA

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