The Australian Gun Safety Alliance (AGSA) is very pleased to be part of a regular consultation process on firearm matters with the Commonwealth Government.
A regular meeting is chaired by Mr Jason Wood MP, Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs who has the responsibility for firearm matters in the Australian government. Mr Wood is supported by Mr Rob Vasta MP, Federal Member for Bonner in Queensland.
Minister Wood (centre back row) stands behind Stephen Bendle, Convenor of the Australian Gun Safety Alliance.
Firearm policy consultation has long been the sole domain of the firearms industry and we are pleased that Assistant Minister Wood has seen the benefit in engaging with gun safety advocates.
AGSA attendees at the consultation include the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, Public Health Association of Australia, Gun Control Australia, AMA. The Law Council of Australia also attends.
Over the last few meetings, we have been pleased to agree on a National Firearms Amnesty which should be in place in mid-2021; the banning of bump stocks, the strengthening of firearm tracking offences and the integration of the Australian Firearms Identification Network.
We were pleased that Minister Wood shared our concerns over Gel Blasters and that the Australian Police Ministers’ Meeting would establish a working group to look at inconsistencies and non-compliance’s to the National Firearms Agreement.
AGSA has an excellent working relationship with the Minister and with the responsible Department and we expect to see many more opportunities to better inform the government on issues relating to firearm policy.
