SSAA ACT Inc. Position Statements
SSAA ACT Inc. has developed these position statements to give members a clear understanding of where we stand on the key issues affecting our shooting community. They outline our shared principles, reflect the values of responsible firearm owners, and help ensure that our voice is heard in discussions that shape the future of shooting sports, hunting, and firearm ownership in the ACT. These statements are designed to support members, guide our advocacy, and show the broader community what we stand for.
1. Firearms Ownership in the ACT
Position
SSAA ACT Inc. supports the lawful, responsible and transparent ownership of firearms in the ACT. Licensed firearm owners are among the most vetted and compliant members of the community, meeting strict ACT Policing requirements for licensing, registration, storage and ongoing compliance. SSAA ACT Inc. will advocate for evidence-based policy that recognises the positive contribution of licensed owners to sport, conservation and community safety.
Key Principles
- Firearms ownership is a legitimate and highly regulated activity.
- All firearms in the ACT must be registered and linked to a licensed individual.
- Policy should be evidence-based, justified, reasonable, practicable and proportional.
- SSAA ACT Inc. promotes the lawful, safe, responsible and ethical use of firearms at all times.
2. Firearm Safety and Training
Position
SSAA ACT Inc. is committed to the highest standards of firearms safety. We support mandatory training, safe storage requirements and ongoing education for all licence holders. Our Association delivers structured training programs, range supervision and safety culture initiatives that exceed regulatory requirements.
Key Principles
- Safety is the foundation of all shooting activities.
- Training should be accessible, practical and delivered by qualified instructors.
- Safe storage is essential and must be maintained at all times.
- SSAA ACT Inc. works closely with ACT Policing to support compliance and education.
3. Sporting and Recreational Shooting
Position
SSAA ACT Inc. recognises shooting sports as legitimate, inclusive and internationally recognised disciplines. Our Range Complex supports a wide variety of competitive and recreational shooting activities that promote skill development, discipline and community participation.
Key Principles
- Shooting sports are safe, structured and governed by strict rules.
- Participation builds confidence, responsibility and technical skill.
- SSAA ACT Inc. supports junior development, women’s participation and inclusive access.
- Sporting shooters represent Australia at national and international levels.
4. Hunting and Conservation
Position
SSAA ACT Inc. supports ethical, humane and environmentally responsible hunting practices. Hunting plays a vital role in conservation, pest management and land stewardship across Australia. SSAA ACT Inc. promotes education, compliance with legislation and respect for wildlife and the environment.
Key Principles
- Ethical hunting contributes to biodiversity protection and land management.
- Hunters must comply with all relevant laws and codes of conduct.
- SSAA ACT Inc. supports training in marksmanship, safety and humane dispatch.
- Conservation outcomes should be guided by science and ecological need.
5. Firearms Legislation and Regulation
Position
SSAA ACT Inc. supports fair, evidence-based firearms legislation that balances public safety with the rights of licensed firearms owners. We will advocate for consultation, transparency and regulatory consistency in the ACT. SSAA ACT Inc. opposes policy changes that are not supported by data or that unfairly burden or penalise compliant owners.
Key Principles
- Regulation must be proportionate, effective and evidence-based.
- Licensed owners should not be penalised for the criminal misuse of firearms by criminal elements, extremists or terrorists.
- Consultation with shooting organisations supports the development and delivery of better policy outcomes.
6. Crime and Illegal Firearms
Position
SSAA ACT Inc. strongly supports efforts to reduce criminal misuse of firearms. Illegal firearms are a law-enforcement issue and should be addressed through targeted policing, border control and intelligence-led operations. Law-abiding firearm owners must not be conflated with criminal activity.
Key Principles
- Illegal firearms are distinct from the tightly regulated legal market.
- Policy should target criminal behaviours, not licensed owners.
- SSAA ACT Inc. supports ACT Policing in combatting illicit trafficking.
- Public messaging must clearly differentiate lawful and unlawful possession.
7. Youth Participation and Junior Development
Position
SSAA ACT Inc. supports safe, structured and supervised participation of young people in shooting sports. Junior programs promote discipline, responsibility and respect for safety. All youth activities are conducted under strict supervision and in accordance with ACT laws.
Key Principles
- Junior shooters must be supervised by qualified adults at all times.
- Programs focus on safety, skill development and personal growth.
- Shooting sports offer pathways to national and international competition.
- SSAA ACT Inc. promotes inclusive, positive youth engagement.
Women in Shooting
Position
SSAA ACT Inc. is committed to supporting and expanding women’s participation in shooting sports. Women are one of the fastest growing demographics in the shooting community, and SSAA ACT Inc. actively promotes safe, welcoming and inclusive environments for all participants.
Key Principles
- Women’s participation strengthens the shooting community.
- SSAA ACT Inc. supports women-led training, events and leadership opportunities.
- Safety, respect and inclusion are non-negotiable on the SSAA ACT Inc. Range Complex.
- Barriers to participation should be identified and removed.
Accessibility, Equality and Inclusion
Position
SSAA ACT Inc. committed to ensuring that shooting sports remain accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to all members of the community who meet the legal requirements for participation. Shooting is one of the few sports where age, gender, physical ability, cultural background, or socioeconomic status do not limit a person’s capacity to participate, excel, or contribute.
Shooting is inherently a sport of equality. Success is determined by discipline, safety, skill development, and personal focus — not gender, age, physical strength, speed, or body type. This makes it uniquely accessible to people who may be excluded from other sports.
Key Principles
- Ensuring equitable access to shooting sports for all eligible participants
- Supporting inclusive club environments that welcome diverse members
- Encouraging programs and initiatives that encourage participation from under‑represented groups
- Requiring facility and equipment accessibility for people with disabilities
- Commitment to community‑building activities that strengthen social inclusion
Range Operations and Safety Standards
Position
SSAA ACT Inc. operates its Range Complex to the highest safety and compliance standards. Our facilities are managed under strict range standing orders, risk management framework and ACT regulatory requirements. Range and Safety Officers, qualified instructors and trained volunteers help ensure safe operation at all times.
Key Principles
- Range safety is paramount.
- All users must follow range rules and directions from range officers.
- SSAA ACT Inc. invests in facility upgrades, safety infrastructure and training.
- Ranges are essential community assets supporting sport, training and safety education.
Mental Health and Firearms Licensing
Position
SSAA ACT Inc. support responsible, compassionate and privacy respecting approaches to mental health within the firearms licensing framework. We encourage members to seek support when needed and recognise that mental health challenges should be addressed through healthcare, not stigma.
Key Principles
- Mental health is a health issue, not a character flaw.
- Licensing decisions must be fair, evidence-based and respectful.
- SSAA ACT Inc. encourages members to access support services.
- Collaboration between health professionals and ACT Policing should prioritise wellbeing and safety.
Firearms Storage and Compliance
Position
SSAA ACT Inc. supports strong, practical storage requirements that protect public safety while remaining achievable for licensed owners. We promote education, compliance and regular review of storge practices to ensure they remain effective and proportionate.
Key Principles
- Secure storage is essential for responsible ownership.
- Requirements must be practical and evidence-based.
- SSAA ACT Inc. provides guidance and education to members.
- Compliance should be supported through education, not punitive overreach.
Community Engagement and Public Education
Position
SSAA ACT Inc. is committed to improving public understanding of lawful firearms ownership. We promote transparency, factual information and open communication with the community, media and government. Our goal is to reduce stigma and build trust through education and engagement.
Key Principles
- Public debate should be informed by facts, not fear.
- SSAA ACT Inc. provides accurate information about firearms and safety.
- Community engagement strengthens understanding and reduces stigma.
- We welcome dialogue with all stakeholders.
At the 3 March 2026 SSAA ACT Inc. Council meeting, the above position statements were confirmed.