Thousands of Victorians have added their name to a petition demanding the Andrews Government reconsider its politically-motivated ban on recreational sales of firearms and ammunition.
On March 31, thousands of legitimate, law-abiding recreational hunters in Victoria were told they would be prevented from purchasing from retail outlets as part of COVID-19 restrictions.
The petition, supported by Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath, calls for the ban to immediately be reversed and has secured nearly 5500 signatures in just seven days.
Only the Victorian, West Australian and Queensland Labor governments have enforced similar bans.
Firearm and ammunition retailers are losing millions of dollars, impacting family businesses and forcing many Victorians out of their jobs at a time when we can least afford it.
The Minister has claimed this ban was a result of “deliberations by National Cabinet”. When National Cabinet meets on Friday, the Victorian Government must commit to reversing its ban.
The Liberal Nationals have also been supporting community calls to wind back restrictions on solo recreational activities, like fishing, hunting, golf and horse-riding, providing restrictions on gatherings and social distancing rules are met.
Sign the petition at www.respectvictoriangunowners.com
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh
Victoria’s responsible, law-abiding recreational hunting community is rightly outraged with the Andrews Government’s offensive attempt to lump them in the same basket as organised criminals.
The Andrews Government blindsided farmers and the hunting community with a ban that’s based in ideology, not facts.
This ban has cut Victorian jobs and cost the industry millions. It must be reversed.
Comments attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath
Thousands have already added their voice to the call for Labor to reverse its unjustified and politically-motivated ban.
Recreational hunter’s ability to hold a Victorian gun licence is dependent on complying with the law. They don’t take their firearms licences for granted.