Politicians and members of the Australian Press went head-to-head recently at this year’s annual Pollies v Press Christmas Shoot held by the Parliamentary Friends of Shooting. The event is a way of introducing politicians and political staffers as well as journalists and other media to shooting.
Senator the Hon. Bridget McKenzie as Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Shooting group opened the event by speaking about the important role local clubs play for both beginners and professional athletes. Fittingly, head coach for the day was Suzy Corry (formerly Suzy Balogh) who grew up shooting and training for the Olympics on the same range as the one used on the day. After some brief safety instructions, Suzy also recounted her gold medal performances at both the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.
Channel 7 and Channel 9 covered the event which also featured Ian Goodenough MP and Senator the Hon. Nigel Scullion. Camera operators from each channel went on to have a shot after fulfilling their professional duties, demonstrating the irresistible lure of our sport.
Despite a strong breeze conditions were prefect and both politicians and press members shot well. A crowd favorite was shooting Down The Line as participants got a taste for just how challenging a full-sized Olympic trap range really is. In the end the Press claimed a surprise victory over the Pollies in a hotly-contested competition. The event was a great showcase of the shooting sports to members of the press, politicians and the general public.