NSW Farmers has expressed serious concerns about the proposed pathway for primary producers to own more than 10 firearms, which may see them forced to apply under a different firearms licensing category. The concern follows yesterday's NSW Government announcement that only licence holders with genuine reasons of sport/target shooting, vertebrate pest animal control or business/employment may be eligible to apply for additional firearms in limited and exceptional circumstances, with primary production absent from the list. With the firearms buyback set to begin on 2 November, NSW Farmers President, Rebecca Reardon, said the announcement raised more questions than answers and compounded the uncertainty facing farmers following rushed legislative reforms. “It's extraordinary that after almost a year of engagement and consultation, the government still hasn't explicitly understood the legitimate needs of farmers,” Ms Reardon said. “Primary production is already a recognised licensing category. Farmers shouldn't have to navigate another category or additional layers of bureaucracy simply to demonstrate the legitimate operational needs of their businesses. It makes absolutely no sense. “We have raised several major implementation issues that remain unresolved and despite repeated representations to the Premier, ministers and other key decision makers, the practical needs of farmers have still not been adequately addressed. “We need a firm commitment that primary producers will have access to a practical, reliable and transparent pathway where they need additional firearms." More consultation, but few answers The NSW Government has indicated that NSW Police will shortly undertake further targeted consultation on regulations governing applications for additional firearms. Ms Reardon questioned why fundamental issues remained unresolved despite repeated engagement by NSW Farmers throughout the year. “Here we are, days from the buyback, and the government is proposing more consultation without answering some of the most basic questions,” Ms Reardon said. “Consultation on this next step must be genuine, and they must actually listen to farmers on what will work in order to avoid unintended consequences for food and fibre production. “Farming operations vary enormously in size, location and complexity. Some businesses operate across multiple properties and face significant pest pressures that justify access to more than 10 firearms. “NSW Farmers has opposed arbitrary firearm ownership caps from the outset because they fail to recognise these realities. “Crucially, we also need to restore an independent merit review pathway for firearms licensing decisions following the removal of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal appeals process. Without independent review, farmers will have fewer avenues to challenge decisions about legitimate applications for additional firearms, raising serious concerns about transparency and fairness. “We've also been clear that if farmers are required to surrender legally owned firearms, they deserve fair compensation, and the current valuation model has serious flaws. “Although the buyback begins on 2 November, farmers should not feel pressured to rush decisions about surrendering firearms. They need to understand their individual circumstances, available options and legal obligations. “This isn't about opposing firearm safety. It's about ensuring reforms don't create unnecessary barriers for law-abiding farmers who rely on firearms to do their jobs safely and effectively.” NSW Farmers
