Hands Off Our Guns

Hands Off Our Guns

In the wake of the horrific Bondi Beach terror attack, Australians quite rightly expected governments to act. That expectation must be met with seriousness, responsibility and evidence-based decision-making. It must also be met without resorting to symbolism that targets the wrong people.

Recently, I voted against firearms legislation introduced by the Federal Labor Government in response to the Bondi attack because guns didn’t cause this atrocity the failure to confront radical Islamic terrorism did. Disappointingly however, those laws passed despite the opposition voting against them. While framed as a national response, the legislation establishes a mechanism that enables firearm buybacks with tighter restrictions to be pursued by individual state governments.

What is clear is that these changes have shifted responsibility. While the Commonwealth has enacted legislation, the practical consequences now depend on decisions taken closer to home. How South Australia responds will matter deeply to regional communities, primary producers and responsible firearm owners who already operate under some of the strictest laws in the world.

So, unless he rules out changes, law-abiding firearm owners in our regions remain squarely in the firing line.

That is why I am calling on Premier Malinauskas to rule out changes to South Australia’s gun laws, and why I am asking people across Barker to sign my petition and tell the State Government to keep their hands off our guns.

Responsible, law-abiding, licensed firearm owners should never be punished for the actions of criminals or extremists. While other states have already ruled out changes, Premier Malinauskas continues to leave the door open to enforcing a gun buyback on South Australians.

In Barker, firearms are not a political talking point. From the Murray Mallee to the Barossa, from the Riverland to the Limestone Coast, firearms are essential for animal welfare, pest control, hunting and of course many people living in Barker are sporting shooters.

More red tape will not stop criminals.

It will not stop extremists.

But it will affect law-abiding people who do the right thing every day.

This is a decision the Premier can make and he must make it now before South Australians vote at the upcoming State election.

South Australians expect leadership that is firm, fair and grounded in reality. The Premier should rule out unnecessary buybacks and further restrictions that punish responsible people while doing nothing to address the extremism that led to the Bondi terror attack.

Go to www.tonypasin.com/gunreform to sign my petition and send a clear message to Premier Malinauskas and his Labor Government to rule out changes and keep their hands off our guns.