The Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Alexander Downer today issued a press release regarding a policy guiding Australia's future contributions to international efforts addressing problems posed by the proliferation and misuse of firearms.
Representatives of sports shooting groups, collectors and dealer groups were briefed during a meeting with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Department of Defence, and the Attorney-General's Department in Canberra on 22 July.
The Sporting Shooters Association of Australia is a Non Government Organisation with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and is contributing to these international efforts.
Executive Director of SSAA, Keith Tidswell said, “The SSAA welcomes dialogue with government and is playing a role by addressing issues such as definitions, identification and marking of firearms.”
Mr. Tidswell also said, “It is pleasing that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has taken the time to brief the shooting sports, collectors and dealer organisations. Furthermore, Australia's shooting sports people are recognised for the role they play in promoting friendship, peace and goodwill among other nations.”
The Australian policy made the point that there is no intention to impede the lawful use of firearms by legitimate owners.