Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia’s (SSAA) state and territory branches have been making great strides in efforts to build relationships with political representatives in recent weeks.
The new South Australian Police Minister Joe Szakacs visited the SSAA SA Para Range recently and was given a tour of the facilities and a hands-on experience with a number of rifles and handguns. Association representatives were able to give Minister Szakacs insight into the various SSAA disciplines and the different firearms used.
In Western Australia, a group from the Young Liberals wing and WA Federal Member for Moore Ian Goodenough were hosted at the SSAA WA Perth Rifle Metallic Silhouette Club at the Wanneroo Shooting Complex.
Relationship building and giving people, who have often never handled a firearm, an insight into firearms, safety and the shooting sports is a very effective way of advocating for ourselves. Whether people go away keen to join our ranks, or with a well-rounded insight into what we do, a value cannot be put on how much these experiences are worth to our cause.
SSAA National representatives were able to attend, participate and meet with elected members on both of these occasions and a big congratulations must go to the people behind these events for their initiative and hard work in advocacy.