news, local-news, Luke Hartsuyker, Martin Place siege, Bridget McKenzie, shooters

Nationals Member for Cowper, Luke Hartsuyker, and Senator Bridget McKenzie visited the Coffs Rifle Club range in Howard St on Friday to meet local recreational shooters and talk about issues facing the shooting and hunting sector. “I have been contacted by numerous local firearms owners and shooters who are concerned about the tone of current public debate about firearms ownership and hunting,” Mr Hartsuyker said. “Senator McKenzie has been a strong supporter of the recreational shooting sector, so I wanted her to meet with Mid North Coast shooters to hear their perspective. “The Martin Place siege has put firearm regulation back in the spotlight. Based on a recommendation from the Martin Place Siege Joint Review the Federal and State Governments are currently updating the technical elements of the National Firearms Agreement. “While this is a sensible step and one I support, some of the accompanying commentary from media outlets and anti-gun activists has bordered on hysterical. “Licensed firearms owners are not the problem, they are responsible law-abiding members of our community and part of a broader industry that contributes more than $1 billion a year to Australia’s economy. “Most shooters accept that the use of firearms must be regulated and that owners need to be responsible citizens, but licenced shooters do not need more red tape and they should be treated with respect and understanding like anyone else."

https://nnimgt-a.akamaihd.net/transform/v1/crop/frm/storypad-jePjHtbMsAkGKJPU2P8MRJ/7ed149b2-1f2a-41c5-a660-a73f6af15f37.jpg/r7_52_2945_1712_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg

MP opens fire on anti-gun activists and commentators for 'borderline hysterical' views