NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said multiple attempts have been made to engage with the NSW Government in the wake of the Bondi terror attack to ensure farmers and those in agriculture were not impacted by any knee-jerk reaction to the atrocity.
“Farmers have been misled by the NSW Government,” Mr Martin said.
“It’s incredible this government has allowed generous capping exemptions for recreational shooters but for farmers who need firearms to control pests, minimise biosecurity risks and for the humane management of animals, the government hasn’t given us a second’s thought.
“The Premier acknowledged farmers and agriculture had unique requirements when it came to firearms but these reforms have been put together in such a rush, the government hasn’t even turned its attention to the unintended consequences and anomalies.
“Firearms laws are complex and multifaceted, and it is deeply disappointing that despite our repeated offers to provide practical input and consultation the government has not chosen to talk to us.”
NSW Farmers is particularly concerned about the capping of 10 firearms for those in agriculture.
They said it will impact farmers whose farm business spreads over more than one property and may require them to transport guns between multiple properties, creating potentially other dangerous consequences.
“We’re now being told that farmers have to sign up to a gun club in order to keep their licence.
“What will this mean for farmers who live hours away from their closest gun club?
“Changing the licence renewal period from five years to two years is also ridiculous.
“It’s more red-tape for law abiding farmers who just want to get on with their job of producing the best food and fibre in the world.
“NSW Farmers does not support unworkable rules on firearms for farmers and those working in agriculture, and we will continue to make representations on behalf of our sector.
“We believe these changes will increase risk to the public, not diminish it, and will seriously reduce our ability to tackle the exploding numbers of feral and pest animals across the landscape, and damage the state’s productivity.
“The Bondi atrocity was not the fault of firearms.
“It was an act of violent extremism which had everything to do with hate.
“We welcome the crackdown on hate speech, but we are deeply frustrated that the government has failed to engage in any meaningful way in what is a critical issue for farmers.”
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