The SSAA’s 59th Annual General Meeting was held in mid-October, the second online AGM in the Association’s history. It marked another year impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic but, focusing on the positive, our membership numbers steadily increased. The incumbent National Executive Board consisting of President Lance Miller, Senior Vice-President Denis Moroney, Junior Vice-President Hellen Gill, Secretary Kaye McIntyre and Treasurer and Public Officer Alf Bastian were re-elected unopposed.
In a year largely devoid of good news, we found some after a formal agreement between firearms industry representatives and Australia Post was confirmed in late October, signalling a welcome end to uncertainty around nationwide firearms freight options. The SSAA and firearms industry representatives were among the cohort led by Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie and Country Liberals Senator for the Northern Territory, Dr Sam McMahon, to meet with Australia Post officials on the matter. Their intervention and leadership have assisted our multi-billion-dollar industry in continuing to carry for what is our legitimate sport and pastime.
This outcome followed a decision by freight company TNT, which is owned by US-based FedEx, in refusing to transport firearms and related products without consultation and with minimal notice several months prior. The SSAA encourages all members and industry to use Australia Post for the transport of all goods, thus supporting a trusted and reliable business which caters to our needs.
For firearms and ammunition-specific freight options between dealers and manufacturers, please email [email protected]
Finally, as our domestic and international travel restrictions begin to ease, we look forward to spending the festive season with friends and family after another year which has tested the SSAA on local, state and national levels as we were forced to close ranges, cancel the national championship calendar and postpone international competitions. We are keen to see you at the range in 2022 and wish you a safe and happy holiday period.