Tim Fischer warns 'NRA-inspired' firearms lobby targeting Australia's gun laws

Tim Fischer warns 'NRA-inspired' firearms lobby targeting Australia's gun laws

One of the architects of Australia’s strict gun control laws says he is “deeply concerned” about the emergence of what he described as a US-inspired firearms lobby.

Tim Fischer, the former deputy prime minister and leader of the National party who alongside John Howard helped to pass landmark reforms after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, says he believes a “wave” of firearm lobbying influenced by the US National Rifle Association is putting renewed pressure on Australian gun laws.

Fischer told the Guardian he believed “NRA-inspired” lobbying coupled with the increased influence of rightwing parties such as One Nation in Canberra and the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party in New South Wales had influenced a “pushback” against Australia’s gun laws, and called on politicians to stand up to pressure.

It does seem like pro-gun lobbyists (AKA, firearm dealers) are starting to gain significant political traction in Australia atm, which is a little concerning to me. Not necessarily because I'm fanatically opposed to any kind of proposal to soften our notoriously strict gun laws, but more because of the motivation behind these so called "lobbyists", which clearly has nothing to do with the greater good of Australian society, but is rather just to increase their profit margin.

From another article.

Peter Dutton in talks to create gun lobby ‘council’ to change firearms laws

The home affairs minister, Peter Dutton, is considering establishing a committee to allow gun importers to review proposed changes to firearm regulations for “appropriateness and intent”.

Following a meeting with a pro-gun lobbyist in February, Dutton is weighing up whether to establish a so-called “firearms advisory council”, which the gun lobby says would give it “a seat at the table” to advise the government on firearms policy.

Last month Dutton met with officials from Nioa, one of Australia’s largest gun dealers, and members of the shooting lobby to discuss the council.

The question is, why would we need to review our current gun policy at all? Let alone give gun dealers a "seat at the table", who's advise is obviously only going to be based solely on their own profit margins.

The way I see it, our gun laws are just fine the way they are. We have essentially eliminated mass shootings and the low percentage of gun violence that does occur in Australia, is generally confined to the 'hardcore criminal' elements of society.

Also, its not like we've outright banned guns, anyone who hasn't had a criminal record for 5 to 10 years (depending on the offence) and is considered as 'mentally stable' can quite easily legally obtain a firearm, if they can show they have a legitimate reason for owning one.

So if its not broken, why fix it? Whats the real motivation behind these "lobbying groups"?

In Tasmania, the recently re-elected conservative party had a campaign promise to relax their gun laws. Tasmania being the state where the 'Port Arthur massacre' occurred, which was the very catalyst of what caused Australia to implement its strict national gun laws.

Tasmanian Premier stands by plan to relax gun laws but flags possible change

The Liberals have promised changes to gun laws if elected which would allow greater access to Category C firearms — such as self-loading rifles, pump-action shotguns — for farm workers and sporting shooters.

Licence holders in category C would also be allowed gun silencers.

The proposal includes:

greater access to Category C firearms, such as self-loading rifles and pump-action shotguns, for farm workers and sporting shooters

permitting silencers for Category C licence holders

doubling some licence durations from five to 10 years

relaxing penalties for minor gun storage law breaches

The Government is also considering a new category allowing banned firearms to be used by unidentified "specialists".

Admittedly, the proposals within themselves don't appear to be all that 'extreme' or unreasonable. Its not like their even proposing to lower the standard of who's deemed 'appropriate' to be a gun owner. They're simply proposing to relax the regulations for people who have already proved they're responsible gun owners and have a legitimate reason to own one.

But again, if its not broke, then why fix it?

Is the Tasmanian government sincerely just trying to look out for farmers and professional shooters? Or have they simply sold themselves out to NRA style lobbyist groups, whos only real interest is to increase profit margins for the firearms industry?

a reply to: Subaeruginosa

You do know (probably not) that most of the NRA funding comes from Members like myself.

money.cnn.com...

originally posted by: infolurker
a reply to: Subaeruginosa

You do know (probably not) that most of the NRA funding comes from Members like myself.

money.cnn.com...

Like most uninformed individuals. The NRA is funded by its members and its sole purpose isn't to increase gun manufacturer profits, but to be an advocate for the second amendment rights and fire arm safety/education.

Doesn't matter. Society is what it is. Few will think again if they need a gun. Things will go on as usual.

a reply to: infolurker

That's the whole point.

You support them because you assume they are about protecting the 2nd amendment and upholding the rights and liberty of US citizens.

If that were actually true, then why are they actively penetrating the Australian political structure and attempting to have our gun laws relaxed?

a reply to: Subaeruginosa

Why would you fight for more gun restrictions?

Why should their business be regulated?

Why shouldn't they be able to lobby like any other business?

Do you push for chainsaw regulations?

I was under the impression the people overwhelmingly voted to remove guns at the current levels. If that's not true, then the people will have an opportunity to change that, but it's much easier to keep thing like they are, then to bring weapons back. Once they are back, you will see stockpiling and hording. It's just the mentality of people.

originally posted by: Subaeruginosa

You support them because you assume they are about protecting the 2nd amendment and upholding the rights and liberty of US citizens.

If that were actually true, then why are they actively penetrating the Australian political structure and attempting to have our gun laws relaxed?

originally posted by: Subaeruginosa
but more because of the motivation behind these so called "lobbyists", which clearly has nothing to do with the greater good of Australian society, but is rather just to increase their profit margin.

Which is it? Is it businesses lobbying the government to increase their profits, or is it the NRA trying to change Australian gun laws?

Why would the NRA care about Australian gun laws?

But if you think that an American organization is trying to influence your laws, I think the proper procedure is to appoint a special prosecutor and spend a few hundred million taxpayer dollars and a few years investigating. At some point declare that Americans are an evil enemy, impose economic sanctions, and indict a couple dozen people you'll never be able to put on trial.

Only criminals in Australia are allowed to own guns. That is the law. The people know crime is up since they took away everyone's guns, but there are less homicides involving guns cause criminals know that they do not have to get in a gun fight with the people they rob.

a reply to: VictorVonDoom

Why would the NRA care about Australian gun laws?

Yeah exactly... Why would they even"care"?

Unless their entire motivation has nothing to do with upholding the 2nd amendment and their motivation is solely to increase the profits of the firearm industry.

But if you think that an American organization is trying to influence your laws, I think the proper procedure is to appoint a special prosecutor and spend a few hundred million taxpayer dollars and a few years investigating. At some point declare that Americans are an evil enemy, impose economic sanctions, and indict a couple dozen people you'll never be able to put on trial.

Yeah ok... Assuming your not just extremely drunk... then you must just be totally oblivious to just how much Australians as a whole idiolize American culture, to think a scenario like that is even in the realms of possibility.

...lol.

a reply to: Subaeruginosa

You literally are your own worst conspiracy theorist.

originally posted by: WarPig1939
a reply to: Subaeruginosa

You literally are your own worst conspiracy theorist.

Yeah I know... A conspiracy theory is no fun when its actually based on logic and common sense.

a reply to: Subaeruginosa

Now, I love me a good conspiracy theory and this is a conspiracy site. But is there any shred of evidence linking the NRA to an Australian lobby group other than Tim Fischer saying their goals are "NRA inspired"?

To me it doesn't make a whole lot of sense. It would be like the National Cattlemen's Association trying to make steakhouses popular in India.

originally posted by: VictorVonDoom
a reply to: Subaeruginosa
To me it doesn't make a whole lot of sense. It would be like the National Cattlemen's Association trying to make steakhouses popular in India.

Not really dude.

Despite popular belief, gun ownership is actually extremely common (especially) in the rural parts of Australia... They simply just have to cut though far more red tape to legally obtain them, than they would in the US.

Don't be fooled though, country bumpkin Aussies do love their guns.

Theirs a genuine profit to be made by the firearm industry in Australia... Obviously, the more relaxed our regulations are, the higher the potential profits are going to be.

a reply to: network dude

I was under the impression the people overwhelmingly voted to remove guns at the current levels.

No, there was no vote. People called for a referendum, but Howard basically said "F##k you" and did what he wanted.

a reply to: Subaeruginosa

Don't be fooled though, country bumpkin Aussies do love their guns.

So you insult the gun owners? I can't take anything you say seriously.

Also, stay out of our gun laws and we will stay out of yours. We don't need people with your uninformed and obviously uneducated opinions involved in U.S. politics.

P.S. Americans don't care about Australian gun laws.

Why the heck would we?

a reply to: Metallicus

On behalf of other Australian ATS'ers please forgive the ignorance of this thread.

Our gun laws were changed after the Port Arthur massacre - plenty of information on the web how it was impossible for Bryant to commit the killings.

a reply to: Metallicus

P.S. Americans don't care about Australian gun laws.

How would you know what 325 million people care about one way or the the other?

originally posted by: Subaeruginosa
a reply to: Metallicus

P.S. Americans don't care about Australian gun laws.

How would you know what 325 million people care about one way or the the other?

How would you?

originally posted by: Metallicus

originally posted by: Subaeruginosa
a reply to: Metallicus

P.S. Americans don't care about Australian gun laws.

How would you know what 325 million people care about one way or the the other?

How would you?

I wouldn't... But then again, I wasn't the one who appointed myself as the spokesmen for 325 million individuals!