The Australia Institute is calling on the Australian Government to rush complex changes to national firearm registration, potentially compromising a federal investment of over $160 million.
The Sporting Shooters Association of Australia Inc. (SSAA Inc.) is asking leaders in all jurisdictions to be driven by evidence-based policy related to public safety, and not buy into the demands of think-tanks.
The Australia Institute is calling on a number of high-level politicians, including the Minister for Home Affairs, the Australian Attorney-General, and the Standing Council of Attorneys-General to rush the completion of the National Firearms Project prior to the next federal election.
It is unclear why the Australia Institute is demanding the Australian Government rush a highly complex and expensive initiative that is intended to enhance public safety, simply for the sake of a political cycle.
This intricate project is currently slated to be completed in 2028, and requires information to be drawn from existing firearm registries and management systems from the Commonwealth and all states and territories into one central register.
“It appears that the Australia Institute is unaware of the extensive work occurring between all governments, law enforcement agencies and stakeholders to enliven this project” stated SSAA Inc. CEO, Tom Kenyon.
He also stated that “this is a highly complex project which will be a futile and expensive exercise if rushed”.
The SSAA Inc. has been working with governments and law enforcement agencies across all jurisdictions to encourage practical outcomes wherever possible.