Focus on illegal guns, not responsible firearm owners

The Nationals' Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy,  has called for clarity and common sense ahead of the release of the Victorian Government’s Rapid Review into firearms laws.

Mr McCurdy said it was critical Victorians understood the clear distinction between lawful firearm ownership and criminal misuse.

“Recreational shooting is a legitimate sport and pastime for thousands of responsible, licensed Victorians, including sports shooting, duck hunting and other regulated recreational activities,” Mr McCurdy said.

“There must be no confusion between those who use firearms legally and safely, and those involved in criminal activity using illegal guns.”

Mr McCurdy said the number of firearms held by licensed shooters can appear high without context.

“Competitive shooters often participate in multiple disciplines, each requiring different firearms, which can easily result in someone legally owning 12 to 15 firearms,” he said.

“Many families also hold a securely stored heirloom firearm that is rarely, if ever, used, but retained for historical or sentimental reasons.”

He warned that blanket reductions in firearm limits would be ineffective and unfair.

“If limits are reduced, it is likely small-bore rifles and air rifles would be the first to go, rather than higher-powered firearms, delivering little to no public safety benefit,” Mr McCurdy said.

“Public safety is not improved by penalising compliant firearm owners. It is improved by enforcing the law against illegal firearms and targeting criminal behaviour.”

“Guns don’t commit crimes, people do. The focus must remain on those doing the wrong thing, not those following the rules.”