13 August, 2019

Deputy Leader of The Nationals, Minister for Agriculture and avid sporting shooter, Senator Bridget McKenzie welcomed Members and Senators of the 46th Parliament to join the Parliamentary Friends of Shooting Group.

Minister McKenzie, who co-chairs the nonpartisan group with Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell, said the group’s aim was to help raise awareness with Parliamentarians and the wider community about the legitimate sport of shooting.

“Considering Pierre de Coubertin himself was a champion shooter, it is little surprise shooting has been on Olympic Games programs since 1896, covering both Summer and Winter Games,” Minister McKenzie said.

“Shooting is a hugely popular international a sport where our competitors continually raise the bar when they raise the barrel.

“On top of mental and physical fitness it requires stillness, coordination, concentration, excellent vision and quick reflexes.

“Firearms have long been an important tool in Australia’s farming life and, along with sporting shooters, law abiding firearm owners make a significant contribution to the economy.

“A 2013 study showed that in my home state of Victoria hunting alone adds more than $400 million to the state economy, with 1,500 jobs in direct employment, most of those out in the regions. Shooting provides an incredible economic, environmental and social benefit to our communities.”

Minister McKenzie said the group hoped to educate politicians about the sport with the opportunity to participate in range days and field trips and encouraged all MPs and Senators to support the group