Comments attributable to National Farmers’ Federation President, Hamish McIntyre
The Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026 passed Parliament last night as expected, without amendment.
We support sensible reforms that keep communities safe. Some parts of this Bill do exactly that, including stronger background checks and measures to crack down on 3D-printed firearms.
Based on what we have seen, these changes will not have an immediate impact on farmers. Our concerns have always been about indirect or unintended consequences, and the lack of clarity around how some elements of the Bill will operate in practice.
For example, tighter import controls could place additional pressure on rural firearms dealers through increased paperwork and costs. Farmers rely on these local businesses for timely access to ammunition and other essential supplies – we can’t afford to lose them.
We worked with all sides of politics to raise these concerns and push for practical improvements.
We also acknowledge that the Government and many elected representatives have recognised the uncertainty farmers have felt, and we acknowledge they have made it clear this legislation is not intended to target farmers or remove a legitimate tool of the trade.
There has been significant misinformation about what this Bill does. The most substantial impacts on farmers will not come from this Commonwealth legislation, but from state and territory laws, including firearm limits and licensing arrangements.
What happens next is the important part.
The Government must work closely with farmers during implementation. For example, if firearms are required to be surrendered, fair compensation through the Buyback Scheme will be essential, and that scheme must cover ammunition and associated equipment as well.
Stacey Davidson