Licensed firearm dealers across NSW – many of them small, family-run businesses in regional communities – are facing significant financial pressure following the rapid introduction of new firearms legislation late last year.
Since these changes came into effect, local operators have reported substantial reductions in trade, with declines in sales and stock turnover placing real strain on their ability to meet ongoing costs such as wages, insurance, leases and inventory commitments.
I have been contacted by a number of businesses across the Orange electorate who are doing it tough, particularly in the current cost-of-living environment. These are law-abiding small businesses that play an important role in our regional economy, and they deserve fair consideration.
I am calling on the NSW Government to introduce a targeted support package to assist licensed firearm dealers manage the financial impacts of these legislative changes. Th is should include practical measures such as transitional assistance, support for stranded inventory and relief to address cash flow challenges.
There is clear precedent for governments to provide assistance where policy decisions have directly impacted industries, and I believe similar support is warranted in this case.
More broadly, I recently met with members of the Canobolas Hunting Club to discuss the impacts of these reforms and the importance of ensuring that law-abiding firearm owners are properly considered in future regulations. I will continue to advocate for fair, balanced outcomes that support responsible firearm ownership.
I also look forward to speaking in NSW Parliament in response to the Sporting Shooters’ Association’s record-breaking petition, which high lights the level of community concern around these changes.
I will continue working to ensure the voices that of practical, regional fair communities solutions are are heard delivered. and ,