By DAN RYAN
A new report has claimed that one in every seven Australians owns a firearm, with gun ownership at its highest since the 1996 Port Arthur Massacre.
The report, prepared by The Australia Institute on behalf of Gun Control Australia said the average licensed firearm holder owned about four firearms, and compared state by state on a scorecard of gun safety.
Orange MP Phil Donato said the report 'misses the mark,' particularly for areas like the Central West, where recreational hunters, sports shooters and primary producers required to fulfil their biosecurity duties all live and work together to manage feral animals and protect native species.
“It’s like a golfer having three or four golf clubs. Sometimes you’ll need different firearms for different purposes; you might be a target shooter recreationally but also a primary producer who needs to dispose of larger animals humanely" he said.
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As well as practical differences, Mr Donato said that some firearms included in the institute's count include hand-me-downs, or pieces that were not often used but nonetheless valued as artefacts.
“There may be firearms that have been handed down that will have sentimental or historic value” he said.
The report placed under 18s access to guns right in the firing line, with a scorecard suggesting a safety fail for states providing access to guns for those under 18 years of age.
In NSW, unlicensed shooters can make an application to 'try shooting' under the supervision of a licensed shooter and range officers, and minors can apply for a minor's license at age 12. If approved, young people can shoot under the direct supervision of the adult, licensed shooter.
Mr Donato said there was little evidence to support that there were greater risks in supervised, safer, shooting instruction for young people.
“Young people need to be trained in the proper use of a firearm, and it begins early - especially in the country, where parents are on farms and firearms are a tool. Minors should be able to remain able to apply for a minor’s permit, and use firearms - while under the direct supervision of an adult.”
Cowra farmer and former Vice President of NSW Farmers, Chris Groves, said the report raised some 'concerning ideas' for farmers and primary producers.
“Even though we support gun control to the utmost, firearms must be available in the event of animal welfare issues, or for the destruction of feral animals," he said.
Mr Donato said limitations to access would only stymie newcomers to the ag and biosecurity sector, who needed to be competent and licensed.
“Under these conditions, not everyone who works on a farm would be licensed. Farmers need to be able to put down injured or sick animals, or if you have a large number of pests - especially pigs and wild deer - a lot of farmers have issues with feral animals they need to control. Having people on-farm who can use firearms is almost a prerequisite. They need to have a license to perform their job,” he said.
Cowra's Chris Groves and former Vice President of the NSW Farmers said the report "Raised some concerning ideas for the farming community," he said, “Even though we support gun control to the utmost, firearms must be available in the event of animal welfare issues, or for the destruction of feral animals.”
Tim Quinn, President of Gun Control Australia said “Many in this industry have forgotten the accepted principle that firearms are a privilege in Australia and not a right. “The overwhelming majority of Australians expect that governments respect the views of the community and put their needs before those of people wanting firearms.”
“We are a global leader but we cannot afford to be complacent.” he said.
Mr Donato says licensed firearm owners are by and large, rarely the cause of problems, and resources would better be placed dealing with those who violate the rules.
"They're criminals, and they’ll never obey the law - that’s why they’re criminals," he said. “We need to come down on criminals who use firearms to commit crime, absolutely.”
"I just think this agenda, driven by Gun Control Australia will make it harder and harder for law abiding, licensed firearms owners - especially those in the bush - to go about their business or recreational hobby, or their livelihood.”
