Comments attributable to National Farmers’ Federation President Hamish McIntyre
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is urging calm and considered firearms reform following the horrific attack at Bondi.
There is no place in Australia for this kind of violence, and like every Australian, farmers place community safety above all else.
This tragedy demands a serious response, and we understand the need for governments to act decisively to ensure something like this never happens again.
However, any reforms must provide the best outcomes for the whole community, recognising that community safety also includes food safety and protection from biosecurity risks.
Firearms have a legitimate and essential role on farms. They are used for animal welfare and protecting the land from feral animals and pests that create biosecurity and food safety risks and cause immense damage to Australia’s precious ecosystem. Their use is highly regulated, and farmers take their responsibilities seriously.
We support sensible reforms that strengthen community safety, but those reforms must be developed carefully and with proper consultation to ensure they don’t undermine farm safety, animal welfare and environmental management.
Concerns are already emerging in New South Wales, where proposed reforms have progressed with limited engagement with the farm sector, despite acknowledgment that agriculture requires firearms. Quite simply, firearms are an essential tool of trade for farmers and those who assist them.
While firearms regulation is a state-by-state matter, every jurisdiction will be watching NSW closely. Decisions made there will set the tone nationally.
At a national level, the Government is also considering a raft of reforms, and the NFF will engage constructively.
It is essential that governments right across the country engage with the NFF and our Members to ensure reforms enhance public safety while preserving legitimate firearm access for primary producers.
We will continue to advocate respectfully, responsibly and firmly for farmers, while recognising the gravity of this moment for our nation.
Stacey Davidson
Ashleigh Whittaker