December 2009 President message
Another productive year for the SSAA is quickly drawing to a close and I’d like to use this opportunity to briefly mention some of the things we have undertaken this year.
The SSAA research team kicked off the year with the release of the Hunting in Perspective ASJ. This publication was well received by our members and many wrote in to express their involvement and positive experiences with hunting. Hunting in Perspective provided an overview of many issues relating to hunting, such as wildlife and game management, hunting policy, animal rights and the hunter’s role in species management and conservation. The SSAA also sent copies of this document to all Federal Government MPs and selected media outlets to use as a reference document.
The SSAA produced and released the SSAA’s Comprehensive Guide to Shooting and Hunting in Australia. This publication was developed as a resource for those fairly new to the shooting sports or a specific discipline and can even be used as an entry point by the general public into the sport. The guide showcased all of the disciplines run by the many SSAA branches across the country. It gave detailed descriptions of the different events and also some practical guidance on rifle, shotgun and handgun shooting. The hunting section provided an overview of what can be hunted and how in Australia. The guide also described hunting regulations state by state and how to locate the up-to-date state regulations. The guide is still available for sale through the SSAA Media & Publications office and selected newsagencies.
In an effort to help journalists report correctly on firearm-related stories and use the right terminology, the SSAA produced A Journalist’s Guide to Firearms and the Shooting Sports. Copies of the guide were sent to media outlets across Australia, as well as journalism schools and libraries. We are hoping that we no longer have to read about ‘bullets being fired by shotguns’ or the use of ‘semi-automatic revolvers’.
In June, I attended a United Nations workshop on the illicit trade of illegal small arms and light weapons. From these discussions, it was evident that the spotlight should be firmly held over the illicit trade and use of illegal firearms and not on those firearms that are legally held by Australia’s licensed, responsible citizens. I am sure that all members agree with this.
In September, the SSAA, together with the leading retailers in the firearm industry, introduced the Gun Safe Voucher program. This program provided discount vouchers that enabled members to save $25, $50 or $100, depending on the type of police-approved safe they purchased. The Federal Home Affairs Minister Brendan O’Connor wrote to the SSAA and applauded the SSAA for again promoting responsible firearms ownership. Responsible firearm ownership, of course, is something we at the SSAA take very seriously.
The introduction of the SSAA’s E-alert in October has enabled the SSAA to develop a new system to forward information quickly to members in response to anti-gun and anti-hunting articles and online polls in the media. The aim behind the initiative was to help members become more politically active and provide them with a tool to quickly refute inaccurate claims and misleading information spread by those who oppose our way of life and recreation. If you have not already subscribed to this service, go to www.ssaa.org.au and sign up today.
Our own SSAA Merchandise department is currently undergoing a transformation to become the SSAA Store. Together with a brand-new website, the SSAA Store will continue to sell all of the normal merchandise gear plus some exciting new lines. If you are looking for a Christmas gift for someone special or even just yourself, turn to page 109 and have a look at the many products available. Remember to get your orders in early too before Christmas arrives.
From all of the SSAA National board and staff, we wish you and your families a very happy Christmas and a safe New Year.
Bob Green
SSAA National President
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