The Alannah & Madeline Foundation and its founder Walter Mikac have condemned the latest efforts by the NSW government to push through the Hunting Bill in a late-night sitting.
Despite undertakings and positive signs from the Premier about not giving up government time for debate and standing behind NSW's strong guns laws, the government is now trying to force an all-night sitting so that the Hunting Bill is passed under the cover of darkness, likely at 3 AM with no one watching.
Founder of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, Walter Mikac AM said:
"This Bill poses a direct threat to public safety and should be rejected immediately by the Government, instead of being waved through with minor amendments in a late-night sitting.
"While walking back some of the most egregious parts of the Bill, the Premier is ignoring the evidence presented to Parliament, the voices of thousands of constituents and the calls of hundreds of organisations in a single-minded pursuit of legislation that will benefit a few weekend shooters.
"There is no public interest in this Bill. It is not about conservation or environmental protection - it is simply a blatant push by vested interests that will unwind the bipartisan legacy of the National Firearms Agreement and make all Australians less safe."
Australian Gun Safety Alliance convenor and Alannah & Madeline Foundation advocacy advisor Stephen Bendle said the Government's support for the Bill represented clear disregard for the safety and interests of the 8.1 million people in New South Wales who do not engage with firearms.
"An all-night sitting is understandable for an education bill or health bill – something of benefit to the NSW public. But the only beneficiaries of this Bill are shooters - not a single person without a gun will be better off. Instead, the Bill will expand access to firearms and weaken the safeguards that protect our communities – making all Australians less safe.
"At this rate the government will pay at least $7.9 million for a new Authority to promote hunting - not even the NRA gets government funding in the US. This Bill will also see Crown land and other public areas open to shooters, putting at risk the safety of ordinary citizens trying to enjoy the great outdoors."
About us:
About the Alannah & Madeline Foundation The Alannah & Madeline Foundation was founded 28 years ago by Walter Mikac AM, and a small group of volunteers in memory of Walter's young daughters Alannah and Madeline, aged just six and three, who tragically lost their lives along with their mother and 32 others at Port Arthur in Tasmania on 28 April 1996. The Foundation was established with the belief that "all children and young people should be able to live a happy and safe life, free from violence and trauma." Our mission continues today through our Care, Prevention and Advocacy programs – we fight for their right to be safe, so their future is strong. www.alannahandmadeline.org.au
About the Australian Gun Safety Alliance The Australian Gun Safety Alliance is a broad coalition of voices representing the interests of the community to ensure we remain vigilant on gun safety. www.gunsafetyalliance.org.au
