Law-abiding hunters are not the problem

Law-abiding firearm owners are not the problem. As president of Shooters Union Tasmania I said so when activist groups pushed to ban recreational hunting in this state.

Let’s be absolutely clear: guns are not the issue, and certainly not recreational hunters. Instead of confronting the real and uncomfortable truth about radical extremism, the government is under pressure to punish people who already do the right thing.

I recently sent a proposal to all members of state parliament seeking to modernise hunting regulations so families struggling with the cost of living can access a healthy, affordable source of protein donated by licensed Tasmanian hunters. Instead of listening, they are being vilified.

This push to ban hunting is a slap in the face — not just to hunters, but to every Tasmanian family struggling to afford groceries. It is pure punishment of law-abiding Australians, yet again.

The Bill has two parts: an accredited pathway for legitimate donations to food banks and charities, and a way for unregulated meat donation without liability blowback to processors and hunters. No sale of donated meat. Protein on plates.

Premier Rockliff has said he has no intention to support changes to recreational hunters. He has not ruled out changes for law-abiding firearms owners in general. That clarification needs to be transparent, with genuine consultation, especially given the impact on farmers.