The Nationals will oppose the Albanese Labor Government’s unfair gun laws which will punish law abiding Australian firearms owners for the actions of Islamic extremists.
Leader of the Nationals in the Senate, Senator Bridget McKenzie said the Australian community can see through the Prime Minister’s attempt to divert attention from the Government’s failure over two years to deal with antisemitism and Islamic extremism.
“The Government has rushed this legislation without consulting law abiding firearm owners, and the Bill cannot be supported by the Nationals,” Senator McKenzie said.
“The Prime Minister has turned on the more than a million of us when he knows the problem is in his own constituency.”
“Islamic terrorists have used trucks, home-made bombs, pressure cookers and kitchen knives in attacks here and overseas. Albanese won’t recognise the source of the problem, but has deflected in the most cynical way.”
“The community can see through the Prime Minister’s diversions and the failure of Labor to take actions needed to protect Australians from extremism.” Senator McKenzie said.
Senator McKenzie said the Nationals will be voting against Labor’s firearms laws and moving amendments to ameliorate the worst parts of the legislation, including:
- compensation for guns and equipment surrendered under the national gun buyback is to be paid at fair market value, consistent with the 1996 gun buyback
- compensation would be payable for firearms, firearm parts and accessories, ammunition, ammunition components and equipment surrendered under the buyback, and for associated costs
- compensation would be available for shooting supply businesses for loss of business and hardship, including the buyout of businesses deemed unviable, as a result of the introduction of new restrictions
- requiring state and territory governments to give a formal and public notice to participate in Labor’s gun buyback scheme by 28 February 2026, with full details of any new restrictions on gun ownership proposed by the states
- overturn the proposed prohibition on imports of assisted repeating and straight pull repeating action firearms
- retain the ability for responsible firearm importing businesses to use B709AD permits for bulk consignments, to cut unnecessary red tape
- overturn the proposed restriction on importing shooting vests and cartridge belts containing over 30 rounds of ammunition
- provide a defence for firearm owners obtaining information over the internet on how to refill spent cartridges
- ensure pistols can continue to be imported as required for recognised sporting and elite competitions; and
- provide for a merits review process on new security checks on firearm licence applications.
