The Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk

Premier of Queensland

Via E-mail to thepremier@premiers.qld.gov.au

March 28, 2020

Dear Ms Palaszczuk,

I write regarding the “Direction from Chief Health Officer in accordance with emergency powers arising from the declared public health emergency (No. 3)” issued by the state’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Jeanette Young, at 10:43pm on March 27, 2020.

As part of this direction, “Licensed armourers and licensed dealers as defined under the Weapons Act 1990” were declared non-essential and ordered to close.

We say this declaration is clearly incorrect and on behalf of every law-abiding firearms user in Queensland, we formally request you declare licensed firearms dealers, armourers and other members of the firearms industry to be an Essential Business in Queensland.

Licensed firearms dealers and armourers provide an essential service to every single farmer, grazier, hunter, feral pest control and licensed firearms owner in Queensland. They supply ammunition needed to control pest animals in rural areas, and they supply the parts need to keep firearms operating.

It is patently ridiculous that right now, farmers, hunters and other licensed firearms owners can no longer buy essential ammunition or parts, yet people can to go to a major shopping centre and purchase completely non-essential items like decorative homewares or designer fashion.

It is clear the Government’s definition of an “essential business” does not pass the ‘pub test’ in this case and once again we request you rectify this and ensure the state’s firearms industry is officially classified as an Essential Business – because it is.

Yours sincerely,

Graham Park

President, Shooters Union Australia

E: president@shootersunion.com.au | Ph: 0418 700 320