The Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA) is urgently calling on the national government and leaders of all states and territories to slow their rush for firearm legislation changes and an associated buyback. 

“The rapid-fire announcements for change out of Canberra are chaotic and will not protect the Australian community from similar terrorist incidents in the future” stated SSAA CEO, Tom Kenyon. 

“There has been significant information provided publicly that firmly indicates the alleged Bondi terrorists were not “fit and proper persons” to hold firearms licences under the existing legislative framework” Mr Kenyon added. 

Knowing that the individuals involved in this incident had been on the radar of national security agencies for years yet were still approved to hold firearm licences is deeply concerning to SSAA members, and all lawful firearm owners, who trust and rely on regulating agencies for their security, and for the appropriate application of current regulatory provisions. 

Mr Kenyon noted that “this is reminiscent of information sharing gaps highlighted in other terrorist incidents, such as Lindt Café, where the coroner’s report specifically spoke to a need to review existing information sharing arrangements between federal, state and territory agencies during terrorist events to ensure there is efficient identification and transfer of pertinent information between agencies”. 

The SSAA has stated that proposals from National Cabinet this week, including limiting numbers and types of firearms, would not have prevented the individuals undertaking their horrific actions, and foreseeably are not the solution to preventing future similar incidents. 

Mr Kenyon added that “the gun buyback will be a significant cost to taxpayers at both a state/territory and national level without any evidence that it is productive. Good policy is good politics, and there seems to be a current push for announcements, as opposed to leadership and policies that will lead to a safer Australia.

Re-posted from SSAA Inc. 

Chaotic Gun Buyback Proposal  – Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia (SSAA)