Firearms Clubs Safety

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-97613

Hansard session: Fifty-Sixth Parliament, First Session (56-1)

Firearms Clubs Safety

Mr STEPHEN BROMHEAD (Myall Lakes) (17:25:37):

I draw the attention of the House to funding provided to a number of shooting and firearms clubs in my electorate. As part of the 2016-17 Safe Shooting Program, three local firearms groups received $32,000. The Manning Valley Rifle Club was successful in gaining $6,250 for the installation of solar power connected to the clubhouse and firing range lines. The club, which is in the Kiwarrak State Forest, has previously received funding from the Community Building Partnership Fund for disability access, all-weather cover and other projects. The Taree-Wingham Clay Target Club received $5,500 to install safety fencing, boundary markers, danger signs to comply with standards, and for the purchase of shipping containers for storage. Taree Pistol Club will benefit from a $20,000 grant to upgrade its existing range division walls and targets to comply with Firearms Registry standards. I congratulate the clubs on achieving that extra funding.

The main aim of the Safe Shooting Program is to increase the safety of shooting facilities in New South Wales, including during club-sponsored activities held away from a club's permanent base. Shooting is an Olympic Games and a Commonwealth Games sport that families can safely enjoy. It is a privilege to support the many firearms clubs in my electorate; I love supporting and helping them. Wingham Rifle Club also received Community Building Partnership funding for an electronic scoreboard. The members told me what a difference it has made because they no longer have people under the targets putting up scores.

A Firearms Registry forum recently held at Wingham attracted more than 60 attendees. They heard from the Firearms Registry and experts in the field about proposed changes and about the way The Nationals are supporting sporting shooters and firearm owners across New South Wales. They all realise that because members of The Nationals are part of the Government they are in the room when policy decisions are made about legislation affecting lawful firearm owners. It is The Nationals who represent regional New South Wales, not minor parties, Independent or others. It was great to be at that forum and to experience the goodwill extended to the Government because of its good policies and the changes it is making. The Firearms Registry is talking about becoming computerised. One of these clubs has applied for solar panels so they can have a computer at the rifle range and get instantaneous access to the Firearms Registry.

I take this opportunity to congratulate Todd Barnard of the Wingham Rifle Club. Todd is the club's target rifle C grade champion. I also congratulate Declan Heaney who was second in the F class B grade championship to Christina Adams. Declan Heaney is the son Ian Heaney, with whom I played rugby some years ago. Superintendent Peter Thurtell is also a member of that club. Peter recently represented Australia in South Africa and he came fifteenth in the world. He was a bit disappointed with that result but I think it was an outstanding achievement. I am proud to support these clubs and as the local member I will continue to assist them in any way I can. I love going out to all the ranges and sometimes having a shoot myself. I congratulate these clubs on receiving this funding.

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (17:30:48):

I commend the member for Myall Lakes for the outstanding work he does in his electorate. He does an outstanding job for the many sporting and shooting organisations in his electorate. I would knight him myself if I had the power, but I will leave that to others.