(archived from 2006)
Government calls off 2007 duck season
- updated 30 December 2006.
The 2007 duck season has been called off following an announcement by Environment Minister John Thwaites. "Continuing dry conditions across eastern Australia has resulted in important waterfowl habitat and breeding areas remaining dry or drying up," he said. The Government is reported to have said that the number of waterfowl habitats has reduced to the lowest number recorded in at least 24 years. As reported in the SMH, Mr Thwaites said the cancellation of the 2007 season would help ensure the long-term conservation of game species.
"(It will) provide an opportunity for the population to recover more quickly when conditions improve," he said.
The move, recommended by the Victorian Hunting Advisory Committee, was welcomed by the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia, and Field and Game Australia.
Mr Thwaites said waterfowl game licences for 2007 would be extended by one year to compensate hunters.
He said the government would continue to support duck hunting and the season would return once conditions improved. Predictably, Greens MP Greg Barber said there should never be another duck season in Victoria.
"It's cruel, it's unnecessary and many other states have already banned it permanently," he said. Greens flag attack on duck hunting.
In her inaugural speech on Wednesday 20 December, Greens MP Sue Pennicuik stated the following:
Parliament sits again in mid February, so it's not hard to guess that they will try and push for one before the start of the 2007 duck hunting season (if the shooting organisations recommend one).
Counting continues, but more good news for the CFCV.
While the wait for final results is frustrating, it is now clear that at least one other candidate owes his election to parliament to the CFCV. Liberal's Nick Wakeling has won Ferntree Gully by 27 votes. He was one of the beneficiaries of the CFCV's voting recommendations plastered across the Herald Sun and Weekly Times and as such, might have won his seat thanks to the shooters However, we will not be able to provide a consolidated picture of our impact on the election results until the final results are known. Bob Smith - elected for ALP by the skin of his teeth by shooters.
Another bit of good news is the election of Bob Smith ALP, and his appointment as speaker in the Upper House. Smith got in with almost no surplus quota and it is possibly no coincidence that the CFCV recommended that shooters in that seat vote for the ALP 'below the line'. We now also have a speaker in the Upper House who may well be there on the back of the shooters' vote. Cabinet announcements - more good post-election news for shooters
The Premier has announced 6 new faces to join his Cabinet team. Four of them were MPs supported by the CFCV, so it looks more and more like our election strategy has resulted in important support being secured for the shoooting sports. The four we supported are Joe Helper, James Merlino, Tim Pallas and Lisa Neville. Shooters may have determined upper house balance
Counting in the upper house is still continuing and it is still too early to make a call on our impact, but it is almost certain that the Greens lead candidate for the fifth seat in Northern Victoria Region was denied being elected due solely to Country Alliance preferences. As you know, the shooters have supported Country Alliance and recommended people vote for the party in our full page ads from last week. If this turns out to be the case then this will be good news for shooters. It will be even more important news if this has denied the Greens holding the balance of power! Mildura result - is it bad for shooters?
Saturday's election went pretty much as we had hoped for. We helped a number of candidates either get 'over the line' or get close to it. We will provide a proper analysis of this when the final figures are in, particularly for the Upper House. However one loss for shooters was the defeat of Mildura independent, Russell Savage. This is because he was the only MP who backed shooters during the guy buyback which was supported by the previous Liberal / National Party coalition. We don't yet know what National MP elect Peter Crisp's view is of firearms but he presumably will support the party's line on them as previously set out by National MP Peter Hall. We appreciate the platform the Nationals have developed on firearms (there are some very good aspects to it), but Savage's defeat is a net loss for us - albeit but hopefully only minor. Mildura will be one seat of interest for us in the lead up to the 2010 election. CFCV's election ads cause a real stir
The CFCV has publised its voting recommendations in full page ads in the Weekly Times and today's Herald Sun. Our phones have been running hot with calls from candidates who missed out on our support in the seats we are making recommendations for (in addition to calls from other quarters - the phones haven't stopped ringing). It is worth noting that the fact we did not support certain candidates does not mean they are against the shooting sports - it's just that they haven't demonstrated that support to us, but that their opponent has. Disgruntled candidates are urged to convey their thoughts to their party secretary for them to relay to us. Victoria's new coalition This follows the Liberals decision to preference the Greens ahead of Labor in four inner metro seats.
Our big mailout The mailout provides support for particular candidates in particular seats according to the 'need' for support in their area. Thirteen boxes of these letters were posted today.
Greens upset at shooters
The following is an extract from a media release just issued by the Greens.
"Mr Howard, a previous critic of duck shooting, has performed a policy backflip to do this preference deal with Country Alliance," said Michele Harvie. "Labor Party supporters will be surprised to hear their preferences are now to be traded with an ultra-conservative group."
"The vast majority of people want to see an end to duck hunting, which the State Government promised to ban 15 years ago," said Michelle Harvie. "Despite this, Mr Howard and the Bracks' Government has renewed their support for hunters with a commitment of a $2.5 million package - and next season's tally of dead ducks."
"Voters can avoid supporting the backward policies of the Country Alliance by voting Greens," said Michele Harvie. "For real action on climate change and progressive policies to improve our health and education systems - and protect our precious wildlife - this time, vote for the Greens."
Feathers fly over duck shooting commitments
On 11 November, Labor's Bob Cameron issued this media release making it 'crystal clear' that Labor supports a duck season in Victoria based on an annual scientific assessment of duck numbers and wetland habitat. Two days later, Liberal's Philip Davis issued this media release stating that Labor plans to abolish duck shooting. Although the Liberals claims don't seem to hold water based on Labor's 'crystal clear' commitment, we do accept their claim that the Greens will push for a ban on not only duck shooting, but all hunting. That will be when the resolve to retain duck shooting is put to the metal. However, other things that Liberals are offering include:
Geoff Howard backsteps on hunters
A Labor MP who previously called for duck hunting to be banned, has just issued a media release outlining the hunting community's contribution to conservaiton in Victoria. The release from Labor's Ballarat East's candidate, Geoff Howard, came about under the spectre of shooters opposing his candidacy for the marginal seat. Click here to see his release.
Shooters welcome Labor's hunting policies The ALP today released hunting and four wheel driving policies at the Field and Game club at Seymour. Labor's Bob Cameron made the announcement with fellow candidates Ian Maxfield, Joe Helper, Rob Mitchell and Ben Hardman. Labor's policy will:
The policy also provides for upgrading of four wheel drive tracks, the development of iconic 4WD routes, a classification system for 4WD tracks from beginner to experienced and provide special access to Four Wheel Drive Victoria volunteers to recognise their contribution to maintaining the system. Click here to see Labor's policy and click here to see their media release. Click here to see our press release on our media page
Fishing rep shafts shooters
The following letter appeared in the Weekly Times on October 25 2006. It is signed by Mr Geoff Lacey of Tawonga. You be the judge....
I notice in "Shooters aim at Greens (WT, October 11) that people are alarmed at the prospect of the Greens having a bigger say on who can have access to crown land - and under what conditions - if they win more seats in government.
But I think people ought to be more alarmed at having the Sporting Shooters' Association represent them, instead of a more acceptable group, such as the Bush Users' Group, having prime spot in any move aimed at limiting the Greens' influence.
Many city people, especially those who have never owned or hate guns, consider members of shooting groups to be uneducated hooligans who go out on weekends to shoot everything they see.
To have the SSA as the main force behind the anti-Greens movement is a mistake. It would be better if members of all concerned groups joined BUG and directed their political directives through that body. That is, of course, if they want to have an impact on those who dislike firearms.
By the way, I am not a member of any group, nor am I inclined to join one.
Geoff Lacey, Tawonga.
Three things.
Firstly, Mr Lacey states he is not a member of any group, but he runs Angling Expeditions Victoria, which, according to it's website:
BUG is a lobby group. It does great work and is to be fully commended, but it cannot replicate the impact of direct political representation. It does not represent the political interests of shooters. I also understand BUG has not endorsed Mr Lacey's comments.
Thirdly, it is a total mystery why he chose to slag off at the SSAA when that organisation has helped raise the profile of shooters as have our Olympic and Commonwealth Games participants - hardly the "uneducated hooligans" he speaks of. (How many Olympic champions has his fraternity produced?)
Fourthly, he says the Greens could win "more" seats in government suggesting they already have some. They currently don't have any.
You be the judge
Government sets out range feasibilty study plan
The Minister for Sport, the Hon Justin Madden, today introduced the shooting organisations to the study being undertaken by Stratcorp into the possibility of a new multi-discipline shooting facility in the city today. The consultation process will take some months but is expected to cover a large range of organisations and an even larger range of competing issues and interests. Hardcopies of CFCV newsletter now available
The CFCV's 'election edition' newsletter is now available in hardcopy. Just phone your order (ie how many you want and where we send them to) to Neil on 0425 746 066 or contact him by email. Hall goes into bat for rifle club
Gippsland MP, Peter Hall, has raised another issue of interest to shooters in Parliament - this time, the plight of the Frankston Peninsula Target Rifle Club in Langwarrin. This is what he said in the Upper House yesterday:
At that forum one of the many people I spoke to was Sue McLaren, who is secretary of
the Frankston Peninsula Target Rifle Club. She explained to me the difficulties her club was having in securing a long-term tenure on its facility, which is located in McClelland Drive, Langwarrin. She informed me that the property is currently owned by the Department of Sustainability and Environment, but there seem to be complications with the leasing arrangements by which the club gets access to that land. I am advised that the club has a lease with the federal Department of Defence in respect of that, even though the property is owned by the Department of
Sustainability and Environment. Indeed as part of the national firearms reforms those lease arrangements were due to be passed on to the Department of Sustainability and Environment but to date that has not occurred.
The president of the Frankston Peninsula Target Rifle Club, Ken Morriss wrote to the Minister for Sport and Recreation on 5 September this year seeking his assistance in resolving this matter. I have spoken personally with the minister this morning about this matter and encouraged him to do what he can to try and resolve this important issue for the club. I want to advise the club publicly that I have had those discussions with the minister and intend to also follow it through with the federal member representing that area. CFCV's election edition newsletter is out
The CFCV's 'election edition' newsletter is out. It contains a description of the challenge facing the shooting sports and what shooters can do about it at this year's election. Read it by clicking here. Government announces range feasibiilty study
Another of the CFCV's projects is coming to fruition. The Bracks Government has just announced a feasibility study into what could be the most significant investment into the shooting sports - the establishment of a multi-discipline shooting facility.
Click here to read the release. Meet REG
The CFCV has made the news again. The following article has now appeared on The Age's website:
A COALITION of shooters, four- wheel-drivers and trail riders is trying to thwart the Victorian Greens' chances of entering Parliament and possibly holding the balance of power in the upper house after the November state election.
The Recreational Environmental Group (REG) will stand candidates in the two upper house seats where the Greens have their best chance of winning and will encourage people to vote below the line on their ballot paper to ensure preferences don't flow to the party.
The group, which is being supported by organisations including the Combined Firearm Council of Victoria, the Bush Users Group, the Motorcycle Trail Riders and 4WD Victoria, say their aim is not necessarily to get elected but to make sure that the Greens do not.
Changes to the Legislative Council have lowered the quota of votes required to get elected and therefore increased the chances of minor parties winning a seat.
Michael Coldham, a spokesman for REG, said the group would support Labor and Liberals in the seats of Northern and Southern Metropolitan. He said the Greens wanted to lock up the forests and close parks for public use.
Greens candidate for Northern Metropolitan, Greg Barber, dismissed the action as "ill-conceived" and REG was "seeing things in our policies that aren't there".
CFCV holds its election forum The CFCV held its first state election forum for the executives of member organisations on Saturday 2 September at the Stamford Hotel in Rowville. The forum was well attended and was by all accounts, very, very successful. The morning session was 'behind closed doors' as we gave those present a frank account of what the CFCV has done to date, the challenge regarding this year's election, and what we intend to do about it. There was unanimous agreement that our main problem will be if the Greens get the balance of power - as hunting is likely to be one of their first targets. The PM session included speakers from a number of the member organisations who spoke for five minutes each to explain what they do - and what they believe are the three criticial issues affecting their sport or activity. This was followed by speakers from three political parties The Libs made it clear that the Victorian Liberal Party is seperate from their Federal colleagues (presumably to give them space to move on firearms) and said they would establish a firearms safety and education foundation and quarantine hunting revenue fro conservation and game management activities. The Nats acknowledged problems with the immediate historical relationship with shooters but that the immediate challenge appeared to be to find a way to stop the Greens from seizing the balance-of-power in the Upper House, their endeavour to have the Auditor General conduct an efficiency review of the LSD and said they would put the Greens last in every seat. Labor referred to their track record investing in the shooting sports and activities including the establishment of the Firearms Consultative Committee, which has been pivotal in streamlining the operation of the Firearms Act. Libs announce firearm safety awareness commitment The Liberal Party has announced its commitment to a firearm safety awareness program to build on the safety programs administered by Victoria's shooting organisations. In the press release, Upper House MP, Phillip Davis said his party will also invest in developing shooting as a sport and assist with firearms safety education. He said a Liberal Government would establish the Victorian Firearms Safety and Education Foundation (VFSEF) to promote firearm safety education in Victoria. "The VFSEF will administer the Victorian Firearms Safety and Education Scheme, which will promote firearm safety among holders of firearms licences," he said. "Publications, videos and DVDs will also be provided as general education
tools, promoting firearm safety education and working with existing regional shooting programs."
You can see the press release by clicking here. Dalla-Riva queries police minister over information security Liberal Upper House MP, Richard Dalla-Riva has asked the Minister for Police and Emergency Services if he could take the necessary action to ensure that the information obtained from firearm owners by police during storage inspections, such as where their firearms are located, will remain secure - and if it will be possible for firearm owners to be certain about that. Although the question did not seem to arise from any specific instance, it has been an issue of concern particularly over frequencies that can be picked up by scanners. Nats call for review of Licensing Services Division When someone mentions the Licensing Services Division of VicPol, there are some thoughts which come to mind... such as... The Nationals Spokesman for Natural Resources, Peter Hall and Spokesman for Police and Emergency Services, Bill Sykes, have both raised concerns about long delays in the processing of firearm licence applications. Both Mr Hall and Dr Sykes have received several complaints from country Victorians who have legitimate use for a firearm and are forced to wait an inordinate amount of time for licence applications to be processed. Mr Hall said, "The delays are frustrating and in the case of primary producers, they can be costly as farmers are prevented from carrying out vermin control if they don't possess a current firearms licence". Dr Sykes said the situation had also been brought to his attention by the Combined Firearms Council of Victoria (CFCV) which came to the conclusion that an independent review of the licensing division was overdue. Dr Sykes raised the issue in Parliament last week and both he and Mr Hall will continue to press the Government to address this issue and an additional concern of inefficiencies in the LSD. Dr Sykes said, "The CFCV believes that the Government intends to increase licence fees to achieve full cost recovery. The CFCV concern is that with current gross inefficiencies in the LSD this could result in exorbitant costs to firearm owners. Thus, any review should ensure maximising both the timelines and efficiency of the LSD. "The Firearms Council believes that there is a need to reorganise firearm licensing and registration to improve the efficiency of the service and The Nationals are calling on the Auditor-General to examine the options." Canada abolishes longarm registration Canada's new Government has put its long lived problems with its firearms registry to rest by agreeing to scrap it. It says it is now focussed on protecting families and communties. According to a report from a public safety organisation in Canada, the Honourable Stockwell Day said: Although not avocating the scrapping of our registration system, the CFCV is certainly of the view that there are significant improvements and efficiencies that can be gained from our current system. We should be basing our system on the more successful models from overseas rather than trying to invent local solutions. Hall calls for fox bounty Peter Hall, Member for Gippsland and without doubt one of shooters' best friend, has called for the reintroduction of the fox bounty to help control fox numbers. The Greens new hunting policy The Greens previously had a policy to ban recreational duck shooting. They have now announced their new policy, which is to ban all recreational hunting - ducks, deer, quail .. .the whole lot. With the Victorian State Election now only over 4 months away, its time to get cracking. Spread the news to all you know to let them know how to protect hunting. Namely,: 2. Vote for a party that will put the Greens last. The only party that has so far declared it will do this, is one already supported by shooters - Country Alliance.
FCC recommends extension of antique guns amnesties The Department of Justice has announced the extension of the amensty relating to the registration of antique handguns and the licensing of their owners. This has been necessary to overcome some unforeseen administrative and implementation problems. The extension was recommended by the Firearms Consultative Committee to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services after
representations from antique collecting organisations with one of them addressing the FCC direct. In the circumstances approving this seemed to be a sensible way to go. We congratulate DOJ staff on dealing with what has been a difficult problem imposed on them by the over-reaction from the Monash shootings. The CFCV is likely to recommend to the Minister that the 'genuine reason' eligbility test for antique collectors licences be brought into line with licences for other firearm owners, such as being able to demonstrate an interest in investment. The current licence reuqirement relates only to membership of a collecting organisation which overlooks many existing collectors. The following information has been published on the DOJ website: As of 1 July 2006, the storage, registration and licensing requirements for firearms collectors will change. There will be a requirement for collectors to install an effective (rather than monitored) alarm system if more than 15 antique handguns, or in any other case more than 5 firearms, are stored on a premises. All handguns, except pre-1900 pre-percussion or single shot antique handguns, will require registration. A person will
be required to hold an antique handgun collectors licence if they wish to possess, carry, buy or sell antique handguns. The Minister for Police & Emergency Services and the Chief Commissioner of Police have announced the following amnesties so that firearms collectors are given adequate time to comply with the requirements of the Firearms Act 1996: 1. Holders of firearms collector licences under Division 6 of Part 2 of the Firearms Act 1996 are exempted from effective alarm requirement imposed by section 122(1)(a) and item 3(2) of Schedule 4 of the Firearms Act 1996. These provisions require the installation of an effective alarm system of a class approved by the Chief Commissioner of Police if more than 15 antique handguns, or in any other case more than 5 firearms, are stored on a premises; 2a. Persons are exempted from the requirement under section 7B of the Firearms Act 1996 to register antique handguns (other than single shot antique handguns). This exemption does not apply to antique handguns that use cartridge ammunition that is commercially available; 2b. A person who holds a category 1 firearms collector licence under section 21 of the Firearms Act 1996 is exempt from the requirement that they hold a licence under section 21B of the Firearms Act 1996 to possess or carry antique handguns for the purpose of collecting any such antique handguns; 3. A person who does not hold a category 1 firearms collector licence under section 21 of the Firearms Act 1996 is exempt from the requirement that they hold a licence under section
21B of the Firearms Act 1996 to possess or carry antique handguns for the purpose of collecting any such antique
handguns. This exemption does not apply to antique handguns that use cartridge ammunition that is commercially
available; and 4. A firearms dealer who acquires an antique handgun from a person who is not a firearms dealer and does not hold an antique handgun collectors licence under section 21B of the Firearms Act 1996 is exempt from the requirement under section 93(4)(b) of the Firearms Act 1996 to only acquire that antique handgun if it is being acquired from a person who holds a licence under the Firearms Act 1996 to possess, carry or use that firearm.
These amnesties will expire on 31 March 2007. Under the terms of these amnesties, affected persons are granted immunity from prosecution for failure to comply with these requirements. Blackpowder on Outdoor Life For those interested in the spectacular past-time of shooting blackpowder, you will be interested to have heard the 30 minute segment on the Outdoor Life show yesterday in the last 30 minutes of the show with Graeme Forbes and George Dale. Grahame and Geoge spoke with Bill Davey on the muzzle loading scene in Victoria in a wide ranging discussion. It's a great show - don't miss it - 7am on 94.1FM every Wednesday morning. We WILL move to ban duck shooting: Greens In the clearest signal yet that the Greens are not our friends, the following media release was spotted on their website a few days ago: "To make matters worse, the state government has snuck through $2.5 million to facilitate and encourage recreational duck, deer and quail hunting in this year's budget," said Marcus Ward. "If the government won't act, the Greens will, once we're in parliament," said Marcus Ward. "The Greens are opposed to recreational duck hunting because it is unacceptably cruel, has adverse environmental impacts and puts the public at risk." Victoria lags behind other states, as duck hunting is now illegal in WA, NSW and Queensland. "The Victorian Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, Animals Australia, the
RSPCA and the vast majority of Victorians agree that duck hunting must end, yet the state government is unwilling to act," said Marcus Ward. Government announces game hunting management funding The Bracks Government has made by far the most significant announcement to favour shooters in a long time. This press release from Ministers Cameron and Thwaites announces funding of $2.5m over five years for the appointment of three Game Management Officers. They will ensure a more coordinated and effective on-ground game management services in areas where game hunting is permitted. The SSAA and FGA couldn't hide their excitement about the announcement with their respective press releases here and here. There is no need for the CFCV to add to this so we'll just lay low on this - unless the animal libbers raise their heads in protest. Of greater significance is that this comes just months after the establishment of the Firearms Consultative Committee which has already had positive impacts on firearms legislation (and more shooting organisations have applied to be on it). ... and if that isn't enough, more good news for shooters is likely to be announced later in the year. So why the sudden run of good luck? Well, it is no coincidence that this is an election year and your shooting organisations have been politically active through the CFCV. Their support for the registration of Country Alliance as a political party last year has elevated the political importance of the shooting sports - so we have to keep this going. Shooting organisations have been politically active prior to other elections, but the results this time around has been very, very different. If you are a member of an organisation affiliated with the CFCV, please pay attention to the advice these organisations will provide as the election nears - as politics does matter. If you would like to provide direct political support, then you can always join Country Alliance - details on how to join can be found here on its website. The other thing to note is that the Labor Government has been scoring runs by delivering on two significant issues for us - and rejected the PM's proposed further restrictions on firearms. The state National Party has also scored runs by rejected the PM's comments and other support for the shooting sports. We are yet to see the state Liberal Party even move off the crease. Don't miss this opportunity to tune into Bill Davey's "Outdoor Life" show on 3WBC 94.1FM Wednesday morning at 7am as he will examine today's announcement in more detail. If you are not in reception area (mostly metro), just wait till later in the day and listen to his show from The Outdoor Life's website. It's 3 hours packed with great advice and info for anyone interested in fishing and shooting. Bill will be interviewing Bob Cooper from the SSAA about the importance of this initiative and hopefully representatives from Field and Game and the State Government. DON'T MISS HIS SHOW - WEDNESDAY 7AM ON 94.1FM. Sykes secures payment options The member for Benalla, National Party MP Bill Sykes, today issued a press release advising that payments for firearm licence renewals will now be able to be made at financial institutions other than Westpac. He said this issue was bought to his attention by a resident from Rosewhite who was required to travel to Wangaratta, a round trip of 120 kilometres to renew his licence. Upon his writing to Tim Holding, the Minister for Police, other methods of payment such as online renewals, are now being considered. Dr Sykes said this a commonsense decision by the Bracks Government that has been long overdue. He said farmers and others that have legitimate reasons for owning firearms have been forced to drive to large regional centres to pay their license renewal fees, and that another practical option would be to allow payments to be made at Australia Post Offices.
Firearm theft report released The Australian Institute of Criminology has just released this report (click here) on firearm thefts. The report suggests tjat activity by law enforcement agencies and the firearms community is reducing the incidence of firearms theft amd that the overall rate of firearms theft in Australia was low with only 0.04 per cent of licence holders reporting a theft during the six month period covered by the report.
We understand the Australian Institute of Criminology will be conducting a further four-year program of research into firearms theft to monitor trends in firearms theft. ALP Branches that wanted duck shooting banned The following are branches of the ALP that we understand resolved for a ban on duck shooting.
Nationals reject PM's position on handguns The Victorian National Party has flatly rejected the PM's calls for further restrictions on firearms. Peter Hall, Member for Gippsland Province said in Parliament yesterday that there is no need for further controls on firearm ownership - and flatly rejected the PM's comments. He said:
"It is the view of The Nationals that it is the illegally held firearms rather than the legally held ones in our community that may present some concern and risk. We support moves to clamp down on illegally held firearms, but believe that any further measures to restrict the legal ownership and use of firearms as totally unwarranted."
The National Party later put out a press release supporting the comments made in Parliament by Mr Hall. It is now up to the Victorian Liberal Party to do the same. So far, they have not done so despite being asked to do this last week. The recent leadership issue won't be accepted as an excuse, as the CFCV challenge was issued about a week beforehand. Bracks rules out handgun bans I almost missed it but last week, The Age reported that the Bracks Government has ruled out calls from the Prime Minister to further restrict gun ownership, saying Victoria led the way after a shooting at Monash University. Importantly for shooters in an election year, the State Liberal Party is yet to reject the Prime Minister's comments. We just do not need guns: PM What a day! The following article from
The Australian (click here to see the story) came to our attention this morning:
Speaking before tomorrow's 10th anniversary of the Port Arthur massacre, Mr Howard stressed his loathing of guns and said he was particularly concerned at the proliferation of pistols since rapid-fire rifles and shotguns were banned.
"I think there's still more that can be done on that front; I do. I'd always seize opportunities to do more," he said.
Mr Howard said he had no specific plan at this stage regarding pistols but hinted he was prepared to work again with the states on measures.
"We just do not need guns," he said.
"I don't think Australians need guns unless it's your job or you're in genuine need of protection." Only police, security officers, farmers and legitimate sporting shooters should have them, he said.
.... and let's not forget what Mr Chapman told The Age on 31 May 1997: To support this, the following appeared on Yahoo! (click here to see the story): The PM's comments reverberated during the day and got steam through other media outlets and on talkback radio this afternoon. A Current Affair ran a story on the handgun 'epidemic' tonight again largely quoting gun control groups. It wasn't as much of a hatchet job as I thought it would be, but still devoted way too much time to people who don't represent anyone or appear to have any backing from academia. (By the way, how is it possible for an item over which the Government has tight control to be an 'epidemic'?) However in the afternoon, the following article (click here to see the story) also appeared where Opposition Leader Kim Beazley said that no changes to our current laws were needed:
Speaking on the eve of the tenth anniversary of the Port Arthur massacre, Mr Beazley said he saw no reason for a change.
Prime Minister John Howard yesterday suggested introducing further restriction on guns, saying he was particularly concerned about the proliferation of hand guns.
But Mr Beazley said he thought the strict laws introduced after the Port Arthur massacre, when Martin Bryant killed 35 people, were adequate.
"Good laws have been put in place, good practices have been put in place," Mr Beazley said.
"I haven't seen a reason since then to change that response that was put in place at that point in time.""
My departing question for the PM is - why congratulate our pistol shooters at the Commonwealth Games if a month later you want to take them away from them? They need guns to compete, you know .... The CFCV has also issued a press release following the PM's declaration, challenging the Victorian State Liberal Party to reject his comments. The release can be found on our media page. Their response - or lack thereof - will be informative as we develop our election strategy for this year's Victorian state election. Port Arthur was a genuine tragedy with real victims. Why politicise the anniversary? .. because that's what the PM does ... Illegal firearm trade is 'booming' News.com.au has published this article which shows that the illegal gun trade is 'booming' under our current firearm laws which we were told was going to have the opposite effect. The article says that handguns rather than cash are being targetted when security firms are held up, and that blackmarket handguns now cost as little as $300. An Uzi submachine gun can be purchased for just $4,000. . Wikipedia reveals less of the NCGC than they would care to mention In trolling through the doom and gloom of the gun control groups, we came across a complaint by Gun Control Australia that Wikipedia, the internet based encyclopedia, has a bias towards gun users. So we went there. We did as they asked - searched for "Gun politics in Australia". Lo and behold, we find a gem - that Wikipedia says that Samantha Lee is the Chair and "possibly sole member" - which begs the question of how can one person be a 'coalition' ?? Governor-General takes a shot The Herald Sun has run a story on our very own GG, Michael Jeffery, who demonstrated his own style of shotgun shooting at the Commonwealth Games shotgun range at Lilydale. In the article, Mr Jeffery talks about his days as a young boy when he would shoot rabbits and also as a soldier when he was the state champion cadet rifle shot in 1953. He had not previously done any clay trap shooting. Onya' Mike! Sue Field and Game for installing nesting boxes: Laurie Levy Laurie's week just keeps getting worse. The Gippsland Times has published an article which FGA has kindly referred to us. The article goes over the usual territory on duck shooting, including recognition of the economic contribution shooters make to towns such as Rosedale. The very last paragraph says quite a bit about Laurie's sense of logic. It says: That of course was in reference to a discussion on the ability of farmers to get permits to destroy ducks. However to suggest FGA could be sued for putting up nesting boxes makes a mockery of his annual campaign. Also, if he is considering taking up law, I would suggest he spares his clients' cash. 'Liar Laurie' caught out telling fibs: shooters abused There's no doubt shooters need protection from rabid anti-duck shooting protesters. Add to that the fact that The Age has caught Laurie lying and you'll see the opportunity this creates for us ... Click here to read how he got caught out. In case you are unable to access the document, it replicates an article on The Age's website from today, which describes how he told the paper that a number of fallen birds were confiscated by Government officials from a mobile veterinary
clinic during the opening weekend of duck season. "One of the department officers here in the city telephoned and threatened the vet and the wildlife people up there that if they didn't hand the birds over they would lose their licences to look after native wildlife" Levy reportedly told The Age.
However the operater of the clinic, Denise Garret of Help for Wildlife, denied she had been threatened. Let us quote the next part of the article: She said it was "totally untrue" that a large number of birds had been taken by authorities or that she had been threatened. Environment Minister John Thwaites also denied Mr Levy's claims. The Deputy Premier, John Thwaites, also said the claim was false.
The article also says that Mr Levy said his group would never again work with Help for Wildlife. Whaaaaa ??? Looks like Liar Laurie has not only been caught out, but burnt his bridges. In addition, the Women In Shooting and Hunting have put out this press release (click here) congratulating wildlife officers, police, and hunters for their conduct at the opening of duck season, and expressing their disappointment at "being verbally and physically threatened by (the protesters)". Well done ladies. PM turns up at shooting event - without flackjacket The PM took an unprecedently brave step today by turning up to his first 'all shooting' audience nine years after his infamous flackjacket speech on the national gun laws. His attendance at Melbourne International Shooting Club, was however, great to see. However it hasn't come without its fair share of irony. Duck season approaches - enforcement activity will be high The 2006 Duck Season begins on Saturday 18 March and is open until Monday 12 June. The protesters are likely to be at Lake Murphy. For a summary of the wetlands, visit Field and Game Australia's website at www.fga.net.au. So that you don't have your gun confiscated, remember not to shoot before official opening time! We understand that in order to enable Victoria Police employees to issue penalty infringement notices and summons during the 2006 Duck Season, all sworn members have been appointed as authorised officers under section 83 of the Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987 until 31 December 2006.
The goss we have is that Forward Commanders will brief members involved in duck season enforcement so that they will remove protesters who fail to adhere to the law. Customs' gun blunder The Herald Sun has published an interesting story on how Customs officers who inspected a package containing assault rifle parts, failed to notice this and cleared it for delivery. As noted in the story, the recipient contacted Customs for fear he might be arrested for possession of the ammunition clips. He also discovered the parts he had been sent were not what he ordered and did not fit his rifle. He believes the magazines he was sent are illegal in Australia.
Click here to see the story. Herald Sun follows The Age on story correction The Herald Sun has now followed suit by printing a clarification on a story it published on 5 December titled "MPs swing behind duck hunting ban".
The clarification, which appeared in Saturday's edition, states: Lobby group ALP Members Opposed to Duck Shooting does not include any members of Parliament."
We're obviously very happy with this outcome, as the papers will hopefully provide accurate reporting on the support that the duck shooting protesters have - and do not have - when duck season starts in the next few weeks. Labor MPs reject membership of lobby group The results are in. Our survey of all State and Federal Labor MPs show that not one of them is a member of ALP Members Opposed to Duck Shooting. Some went to great lengths to distance their party and Government from the group. We are preparing and will issue a press release on this shortly.
- updated 21 December 2006.
"Animals cannot advocate for
themselves. They need people to do it for them, and in
this Parliament I will work to see an end to
anachronistic activity, such as duck shooting"
In other words, wait for the private members bill to ban duck hunting to surface in the next session of Parliament.
- updated 11 December 2006.
- updated 28 November 2006.
- updated 28 November 2006.
- updated 28 November 2006.
- updated 27 November 2006.
- updated 23 November 2006.
- updated 20 November 2006.
This little gem emailed to us would appear to be the face of the new opposition facing the ALP, if elected.
- updated 20 November 2006.
This website will carry more information on who to vote for on the evening of Tuesday 21 October.
This is part of our big mailout to shooters across Victoria recommending to them how to vote at this Saturday's state election.
- updated 15 November 2006.
Despite improving their environmental credentials, Michele Harvie says the State Government Hunting Policy puts it right back into 'yesterday' territory - and old style politics - as this policy seems to have been adopted only to secure the support of a number of fringe groups Ms Harvie also expressed concern that local Labor MP, Geoff Howard, has shifted his ground on hunting.
- updated 14 November 2006.
- updated 12 November 2006.
- updated 9 November 2006.
Labor's Bob Cameron launches the policy.
From left: Russell Bate, Ben Hardman, Bob Cooper, Bob Cameron, Ian Maxfield, Joe Helper, Rob Mitchell, Max Rheese, Michael Coldham
- updated 26 October 2006.
Shooter backing misses target
ANGLING EXPEDITIONS VICTORIA IS
Secondly, he clearly has no recollection or knowledge of the political impact that shooters have had previously through entities including the CFCV and the Shooters Party. While we sincerely appreciate their efforts to do so, the Fishing Party didn't get enough members to register in Victoria which says a lot about the how much in tune Mr Lacey's fellow fishermen are with the threat of a Greens dominated Upper House.
- updated 23 October 2006.
- updated 20 October 2006.
- updated 5 October 2006.
Hon. P. R. HALL (Gippsland) — Early last month I attended a forum organised by the Combined Firearms
Council of Victoria.
- updated 27 September 2006.
- updated 26 September 2006.
- updated 7 September 2006.
Bush groups seek to spoil Greens vote
Mathew Murphy
September 7, 2006
- updated 3 September 2006.
All parties supported the retention of a duck shooting season which is a pivotal position given the profile of the issue.
- updated 12 August 2006.
- updated 12 August 2006.
- updated 26 July 2006.
Well, this matter is now coming to a head. The National Party has just put out the following press release which - well, it's self explanatory...."
The Nationals have written to the Auditor-General seeking a review of the Victoria Police Licensing Services Division (LSD).
Our view is that the review MUST be conducted independently ...
- updated 26 July 2006."Counting and tracking every long-gun in Canada has been ineffective and costly and distressed law-abiding taxpayers who must complete endless amounts of paperwork"
The legislation will still require individuals to have valid firearms licences with police checks and safety training.
- updated 11 July 2006.
- updated 7 July 2006. 1. Do not vote for the Greens. Under any circumstances ...
It's time to get active, if you want to continue shooting because if the Greens do get the balance of power at the election, you won't be hunting next year.
- updated 2 July 2006.Firearms Collector Reforms and Amnesties
- updated 23 May 2006.
- updated 22 May 2006.
09-06-2006 Marcus Ward, the Greens Animal Welfare spokesperson and Western Region Upper House candidate, says the Greens in state parliament after the November 25 state election will push for legislation to permanently ban recreational duck hunting."The hypocrisy of the state government on this issue is breathtaking," said Marcus Ward. "The ALP adopted an anti duck-hunting policy in 1991 and has promised an end to hunting at elections since. Yet duck hunting continues in Victoria."
- updated 26 May 2006.
- updated 26 May 2006.
- updated 15 May 2006.
- updated 10 May 2006.
Blackburn
Box Hill
Broadmeadows
Brunswick
Burwood
Canterbury
Cheltenham
Clayton
Coburg West
Collingwood
Dandenong
Diamond Valley
Elsternwick
Hawthorn
Ivanhoe
Malvern
Mentone
North Fitzroy
Northcote
Prahran
St Kilda
Strzelecki Hills
Waverley West
Yarraville
- updated 3 May 2006."I wish to put on record my firm view and that of my colleagues in The Nationals that there is no need for further controls on firearm ownership and that we reject the Prime Minister's comments."
- updated 2 May 2006.
- updated 27 April 2006.
THE Prime Minister, John Howard, has foreshadowed further restrictions on guns, saying nobody should have firearms unless they are an essential part of their job.
The report then goes onto quote a 'remarkable' reduction in gun deaths following the buybacks of 96/97 ... according to a study by Philip Alpers and Simon Chapman ... two people we regard as anti-gun activists. Mr Alpers claimed to yours truly, in his defence, to have a firearms licence and being a member of several shooting organisations ... but (in 1999) not owning a firearm. Huh ?
"You will never eliminate all gun deaths; no country has zero gun deaths, probably not even Vatican City"
Thus, banning handguns won't allow the 'remarkable' trend continue too much further, will it Simon ?
"The National Homicide Monitoring Program report for 2003-04 found 53 people, or 17 per cent, of murder victims were killed by guns. Half of those were killed by handguns, none of which was legally owned (emphasis added)."
"FEDERAL Opposition Leader Kim Beazley says Australia does not need stronger gun control laws.
The media has been right to draw attention to the 10th anniversary of this horrible event. It was an enourmous tragedy and a Government response was needed. However it would seem that anniversaries are enough to excite the PM into banning something - as one of his last hurrahs before he retires
- updated 3 April 2006.
- updated 27 March 2005.
- updated 23 March 2005.
- updated 23 March 2005."Farmers who saw ducks as a pest could sue the Field and Game Association for putting up nesting boxes, [Levy] said."
- updated 20 March 2005."We did receive a freckled duck that was handed in to this unit, and as per regulations it was handed in to wildlife officers," Ms Garrett said.
- updated 19 March 2005.
- updated 10 March 2005.
- updated 24 February 2005.
- updated 9 January 2005.
"The headline "MPs swing behind duck hunting ban" (Herald Sun, December 5) was incorrect.
The paper published this after we wrote to them last week with the results of a poll confirming no Labor MPs were part of the group. A similar clarification appeared in The Age last month after we drew their attention to a similar mistake they had earlier made.
- updated 6 January 2005.