Shooters Union Australia Defending Shooters' Rights

Weapons Licensing Branch have implemented unreasonably strict processes for determining whether someone is a ‘fit and proper’ person to have a firearms licence, with the result that large numbers of shooters are finding their licences suspended due to issues most people would agree are irrelevant to their current fitness to have a licence.

We are not exaggerating when we say we believe this is the most serious attack on gun owners in our state since the 1996 law changes, and to show how seriously we’re taking this, we are introducing our new plan to help shooters fight back.

For current Shooters Union members who have their licence suspended, revoked or refused due to no longer being a fit and proper person, we will:

• Arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with an expert lawyer
• Pay your appeal’s QCAT filing fees ($350) if a lawyer feels an appeal is in order.

We’re trying to keep this offer straightforward, but there are a few conditions – primarily, you must be a current member, you must consult with a lawyer about your planned action, and the lawyer must agree the appeal has merit.

To receive our assistance, it is vital that you immediately e-mail membership@shootersunion.com.au with all relevant documents (particularly the suspension/revocation/rejection letter from QPS).

There are strict legislative timeframes at play to appeal a license suspension/revocation or refusal, so we need to get the ball rolling right away.

We already have more than 50 members who have lodged QCAT appeals year alone and that number is just going to rise as WLB look for more reasons to take licences and guns away.

We are determined to fight this and we are expecting to lodge dozens, if not hundreds of QCAT appeals in the coming months as a result of WLB’s new policy, and it is going to cost tens of thousands of dollars to make sure our members are represented and fought for.

We’re going to need money and support to do it, so we are urgently asking for your support by donating to our Legal Defence Fund to help us stand up and fight for #allshooters.

Every dollar you donate helps ensure shooters have their rights fought for via legal actions – and every victory that comes from those actions is another blow against the antis and further secures our rights too.

More details on the Legal Defence Fund can be found here https://shootersunion.com.au/shooters-union-is-establishing-a-legal-fighting-fund/ – and every donation, no matter how small or large, is greatly appreciated. Donations can be made via this link: https://shootersunion.com.au/donate-and-support-the-shooters-union/
We need your help – so please share this message widely, and if you aren’t already a Shooters Union member, please consider joining today – it’s only $35, includes $20m public liability insurance, and in QLD we are also a Genuine Reason for Cat A, B and H licences too.

THIS week’s news that NSW FAR has reversed its ill-considered decision to ban the Adler B230 and Berika EXT-12 shotguns is a win for shooters in The Premier State – but it wouldn’t have happened without the tireless work of some of NSW’s top shooting groups.

Shooters Union stood shoulder-to-shoulder with SIFA, the NSW Firearm Dealer’s Association and SSAA Sydney as part of a Coalition of NSW Shooting Groups to overturn the ban.

Among other things, Shooters Union NSW co-ordinator Craig Golding wrote a series of letters to MPs across NSW and spoke directly to the NSW Police Minister’s office and the Firearms Registry (FAR) directly outlining our concerns and demands the decision be reversed.

Those concerns included the lack of consultation, the lack of official notice (the overwhelming majority of dealers were not notified officially in writing of the decision) and the fact the ban was completely ridiculous and not supported by legislation.

Suggestions of “public malfeasance of office” relating to the arbitrary and clearly ideological nature of the ban may also have been made, too.

These weren’t one-time things, either. When the FAR directed our enquiries to “Senior Management”, Craig was straight back in there demanding “Who are these people? What are their contact details? Who and what authorises them to make these decisions?”

Every single day, we made it very clear to the Police Minister and FAR: We’re not backing down, we aren’t going away and we will take this matter as far as it needs to go to get the correct resolution.

Craig kept shooters across NSW updated on social media and liaised constantly with the other Coalition of NSW Shooting Groups members, helping ensure we were all on the same page with accurate information and fighting effectively for every law-abiding firearms user in NSW.

Backing us up were the countless Shooters Union members and shooters who bombarded their MP and the NSW Police Minister with e-mails, letters and phone calls demanding the ban be reversed immediately – we know these made a difference.

This multi-pronged approach, with the other NSW shooting group coalition members working tirelessly from their end, has led to this measurable win for NSW shooters.

Of course, the ban should never have happened in the first place, and we’re committed to making sure it doesn’t happen again.

NSW’s Appearance Laws are in our sights and you’ll be hearing more from us on this important matter soon – after all, if the antis won’t rest, neither will we.

Our concerns have been justified, but LAFO’s aren’t taking the blame… so what now?

As you may have heard, the Queensland Audit Office has released a damning report into Weapons Licensing Branch.

The report identifies a number of issues that we are all aware of – including outdated records and massive processing backlogs – and provides recommendations on how WLB should address them.

The major concern is most of the recommendations of the report appear to blame licensed, law-abiding firearms owners for WLB issues and also encourage WLB to crack down harder on gunowners, despite overwhelming evidence showing we are the most upstanding and law-abiding section of the community.

The team at Shooters Union Queensland are going over the auditor’s report very carefully so we can provide a measured and reasoned response, but in the meantime we wanted to reassure you we’re aware of the report (and all the anti-gun media stories as a result) and are actively working on it, as well as ways you can get involved.

We have already been involved with meetings with Police Minister and WLB regarding the many issues involving WLB and firearms licensing in Queensland, and will be working hard to make sure any and all changes are focused on improving current system and making it work better for everyone, rather than simply attacking legitimate firearms owners.

In the meantime, you can read a copy of the report for yourself here.

Recently we had the pleasure of interviewing Jim Savage, Independent Candidate for Lockyer who is contesting the State election this month. 

A passionate advocate for your region, Jim’s fixin’ to run the bad guys out of parliament and fight for the changes that the Lockyer region desperately needs to survive and thrive.

Only an Independent candidate has the flexibility to follow his/her conscious and vote for what’s right instead of what their party moguls dictate. 

Amongst other topics, Jim’s sights are set on reversing the decision to lock up the Lockyer Forest Reserve and White Mountain Forest Reserve allowing for recreational activities and better forest management. 

Jim’s also passionate about water… or the lack of it in Atkinson dam. Farmers need water, tourists need water… our communities need water and the State government has the power to make it happen through dams, proper water management and infrastructure projects that co-incidently would bring more jobs to the region too. A definite WIN-WIN.

Watch the video to find out more.
Shooters Union is endorsing Jim as our pick for the Lockyer region.

Recently we had the pleasure of interviewing Steve Andrew, the One Nation’s Party Member for Mirani who is up for re-election this month.

A passionate advocate for your region, Steve wants the people of Central and North Queensland to hold the balance of power, keep the next Queensland government accountable, and put an end to Labor riding roughshod over farmers, miners, and anyone living outside the south-east corner.

“We are in the fight of our life to keep our cherished way of life. FREE, ALIVE and PROSPEROUS.”

“My promise to you is to continue to fight against radical Greens armed with their dodgy science that demonises farmers, tourism providers and miners. I’ll fight for your kids to get better funding for schools, teachers and educators. I’ll fight for your jobs, and to keep investment in Mirani.”

“I say NO to Labor’s death tax, a GST increase and the double standards that favours the rich and famous over normal Australians. I say YES to water infrastructure projects and outcomes that deliver benefits for our entire community.”

“Let’s continue what we’ve started and keep Mirani moving forward, supporting and reinvigorating agriculture, manufacturing, mining and local jobs.”

Shooters Union is endorsing Steve as our pick for the Mirani region.

Recently we had the pleasure of interviewing Rick Gurnett, the Katter Australia Party Candidate for your electorate of Warrego. A passionate advocate for your region, Rick is contesting the seat to ensure “help our regional and rural economies grow.” 

“To stop our declining rural and regional populations, we need bold ideas like an airforce training centre in Charleville, a rural bank to safeguard our farmer’s livelihoods, and investment in local industries (like the Dalby Ethanol Refinery) with a commitment from the Australian Government to ALWAYS support AUSTRALIAN COMPANIES first.“

Raising a family in southwest Queensland has given Rick an insight to how important it is that we have MPs that are fighting for the regions to give people west of the range the same access to health, aged care, education and other essential services as those in the South East corner enjoy.

“My passion is agriculture and I have always worked towards owning property and providing food and fibre for our great country.”

He has become increasingly concerned about the high-handed decisions legislated by the major parties which have eroded people’s rights and freedoms.

“This is the reason I have put myself forward as part of the KAP to right these wrongs and get our country back on track.”

Shooters Union is endorsing Rick as our pick for the candidate most likely to bring about meaningful and lasting change in the Warrego region. 

Recently we had the pleasure of interviewing Ciaron Paterson, the Katter Australia Party Candidate for your electorate of Whitsunday. A passionate advocate for your region, Ciaron is contesting the seat to ensure “the Whitsunday electorate gets the support and infrastructure it needs to grow and prosper.” We need real strategies for helping our embattled tourism sector to get back on its feet. Our sugar cane farmers need a government cash-injection NOW and the local economy needs HELP. 

“I am proudly running for Katter’s Australia Party because I can see the damage the major parties have caused through their regional neglect. Come October 31st, vote for a party that will put the Whitsundays first and not Brisbane.“

A passionate advocate for the Whitsunday region, Ciaron has policies aimed at supporting tourism recovery, fixing water access issues for farmers & primary producers, and increasing the ethanol mandate. These initiatives will provide opportunities for producers, local manufacturers and processors whilst also increasing agricultural product demand. 

Shooters Union is endorsing Ciaron as our pick for the candidate most likely to bring about meaningful and lasting change in the Whitsunday region. 

Here’s how you can vote for
improved energy prices, reformed vegetation management laws and increased support for local industries this October.

Recently we had the pleasure of interviewing Christian Shepherd, the Katter Australia Party Candidate for your electorate of Rockhampton. A passionate advocate for your region, Christian is contesting the seat to “Lead Rockhampton out of the COVID crisis” and support our world-class tourism, agricultural and mining industries. 

“I am proudly running for Katter’s Australia Party because I can see the damage the major parties have caused through their regional neglect. Come October 31st, vote for a party that will put Rockhampton first and not Brisbane.”

A passionate advocate for the Rochkampton region, Christian has policies aimed at improving legislative and fiscal outcomes for the region, reducing energy prices, supporting farmers with improved vegetation management laws, fixing the water crisis and supporting local producers. 

Shooters Union is endorsing Christian as our pick for the candidate most likely to bring about meaningful and lasting change in the Rockhampton region. 

How you can vote for
job security, a strong local economy, decreasing youth crime and better support for local farmers this October.

Recently we had the pleasure of interviewing Alannah Tomlinson, the Katter Australia Party Candidate for your electorate of Mundingburra. A passionate advocate for your region, Alannah is contesting the seat to “Make Townsville Great” and address the changes made to legislation stopping Townsville police from effectively fighting juvenile crime. 

“I am a person of conviction and believe in fairness and what is right. Not enough is being done for our region for those that live here. I want better for everyone in our community including safety, growth and stability. Come see what KAP really do.”

A passionate advocate for the Townsville region, Alannah has policies aimed to build infrastructure, protect jobs, decrease youth crime and provide better support for our farmers and primary producers.

Shooters Union is endorsing Alannah as our pick for the candidate most likely to bring about meaningful and lasting change in the Mundingburra region. 

AUSTRALIA’S pre-eminent pro-shooting organisation has unveiled a new app to give shooters and supporters information about elections and advice on how to vote to protect their interests.

The free Shooters Union How To Vote Pro-Gun app provides users with a range of useful pro-shooting electoral and voting information relevant to them, to help them make an informed and pro-gun choice at the ballot box.

The app is available free at https://howtovoteprogun.com.au/ for PC and on the Google Play store for Android devices.  

We have developed an iOS version for Apple devices but the Apple Store have been dragging their feet on approving it – allegedly because of COVID-19; we think it could also possibly because it’s a pro-gun voting app and that doesn’t suit certain agendas.

Shooters Union Australia president Graham Park said the How To Vote Pro-Gun app was, as far as he was aware, the first time in Australian history a pro-shooting group had put together such an app – and it was available to anyone who wanted to use it, not just Shooters Union members.

“We’ve been saying for more than 20 years that shooters need to vote to protect their interests, and in every election we get inundated with members across the state asking ‘who should I vote for?’,” he said.

“Collating an electorate-by-electorate list of who shooters should vote for to protect their rights and give them a fair go has previously been a lot of work and getting that info to the people who need it in an accessible fashion has also proven a challenge.

“Now, thanks to the incredibly hard work of the Shooters Union team as well as advances in computers, internet, smartphones and tablets, we can finally do that effectively.”

Whether it’s finding out what electorate a person lives in to listing all the candidates there based on Shooters Union recommendations, the How To Vote Pro-Gun app can help shooters and supporters ensure their vote makes the most difference on polling day.

The app will initially cover the 2020 Queensland election but is designed so it will be quickly updated for all State and Federal elections as they occur.

“No matter where you live in Australia, if there’s a State or Federal election affecting you, we will have the appropriate voting advice available via this app,” Mr Park said.

“Watch this space – we’re just getting started.”

PLEASE SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH EVERY QUEENSLAND SHOOTER OR SUPPORTER IN YOUR NETWORKS