Nationals Firearm and Fishing Forum in Geraldton raises concerns over gun reforms, lack of clarity around laws

Attendees at the Nationals’ Firearm and Fishing Forum expressed their concerns over gun laws, saying the majority have been kept in the dark on whether or not they are still allowed to legally possess a firearm. On Thursday, about 100 firearm owners and fishers attend The Broady for the forum, which featured guest speakers Federal senator Bridget McKenzie, State Opposition Leader Shane Love and Geraldton candidate Kirrilee Warr. WA’s gun reforms passed Parliament in June, which aimed to cap the number of guns an owner is allowed, as well as mental and physical checks to owners. It’s estimated there are about 90,000 gun owners in WA. As of Thursday, Mid West gun owners said they were still unsure of how the new laws would affect them, saying they were unclear on the restrictions and how they can differ depending on circumstance. Mr Love said one of his actions, whether he and the Nationals form government or not, would be to move a disallowance of the firearm reform. He said it would “stop the clock on police action” and would give the Government time for proper discussion and to come up with suitable legislation. Another issue was discussed in the form of property letters, which according to the State Government is authorisation for a landowner to allow a gun holder to use a firearm on their property. However, property letter holders said at the forum they were unaware if they were permitted to continue to use firearms, with written authorities set to be cancelled. Mr Love said the situation was “murky”, saying there’s been no clarity around the situation. He said the questions had been raised in Parliament, but they were not getting clear responses in return. Other issues included why the legislation didn’t just apply to new gun owners, frustrations towards the Government who they claim don’t understand how people in the field operate, and the economic impact on recreational hunting and shooting. According to Ms Warr, $124 million is contributed to WA’s economy yearly though recreational hunting. She said the region needed a strong voice going forward. “From the ocean to the outback, people are fed up with the lack of support from their local Labor MP and the harsh impact of Labor’s reckless policies,” she said. “Mid West firearms owners feel abandoned, with their local member remaining silent on laws that will strip away their licences and damage their livelihoods. “Geraldton needs a strong voice in Parliament to fight for our region and our local industries, and I’m committed to standing up for the people of Geraldton and making sure we are heard.”