A COALITION Government senator wants to formally invite shooters to join the debate on looming changes to the Nat­ional Firearms Agreement.

Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie said there was “a ser­ious lack of engagement” with shooters and the gun industry.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott personally intervened on the weekend to suspend imports of the Adler A110 seven-shot lever-action shotgun for at least six months.

Police raised concerns about the high firing rate of the Turkish-made guns, which were due to arrive in Australia next month.

Justice Minister Michael Keenan said, “We know gun technology has updated and we’re doing the work to ensure our laws aren’t outdated.”

Imports are suspended until a review of the NFA is complete, probably early next year.

Senator McKenzie said she urged the Government to give the gun lobby “a seat at the table”.

The Firearms and Weapons Policy Working Group comprises senior federal and state police, customs and other bureaucrats.

“At the moment shooters are locked out of the formal decision-making process,” Senator McKenzie said.

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The gun’s importer, the Queensland-based NIOA, said it was not consulted about the import suspension and there had been no discussion with farmers, licensed firearm owners or the Australian firearms industry.

NIOA managing director Robert Nioa said no state or federal government department had expressed any concern about the importation of the firearm.

“Most surprising is that there has been no public safety issue related to lever-action shotguns in Australia for the 130 years that they have been available,” Mr Nioa said.

He said the gun was needed for feral pest control in rural areas.

Hunting and shooting groups slammed the decision to suspend imports.

Shooters and Fishers Party Victoria MPs said the review of the NFA was “clearly not aimed at making the agreement fair or workable or even effective”.