THE LNP and the ALP have once again teamed up to defeat a common sense measure put forward by the Katter’s Australia Party; this time in relation to primary producers who need to use handguns for their work. The Motion, which called for the parliament to support the rights of Primary Producers to own handguns, was voted down by the Government and LNP.

“The Government has continued its attack on regional Queensland and the LNP has supported them. These city based politicians really have no understanding of what life is like west of Ipswich”, Mount Isa MP Robbie Katter said.

“Currently Weapons Licencing are rejecting applications and renewals by primary producers who have legitimate reasons to own a handgun. This attitude does nothing to reduce risks to the public. A farmer can still own a handgun to shoot at the pistol club in town but they can’t own one to use for their business. It makes no sense.”

“Let’s be clear here – you still need a licence to apply for category H. The claims from the LNP that everyone would have access are ridiculous as there is a fit and proper person test to gain a licence in the first place”. Robbie said.

“Firearms on properties are a specialised tool. Like most specialised tools, it’s not every day you need to use them. They are vitally important to rural family’s safety, especially if you’re miles away from the house or being bailed up by a pack of wild dogs as happened to Ms. Katie Casey on her property near Hughenden recently.

The LNP and ALP have voted together in Qld Parliament to prevent farmers from owning handguns. This is what will happen to your guns should the LNP/ALP junta get control of the next parliament.

“In recent months there has been numerous calls to my office from concerned property owners who are being told they will not have their Category H Firearms licenses renewed. I know other members of the House with rural electorates have received similar calls and it’s a disgrace they wouldn’t support the motion.” Robbie said.

Member for Dalrymple Shane Knuth said the LNP will always back their city voters over regional Queenslanders.

“The LNP talk up their support for farmers but when they’re forced to choose between their city voters and regional voters, they pick the city voters every time”. Mr Knuth said.

“The types of people who are getting rejected for licences are often Primary Producers, many of whom have held a pistol license for many years. They have satisfied the rules in the past but clearly something has changed, despite the government assuring us they have made no policy change. This is why an as of right clause is required.”

“The major parties have shown they couldn’t care less about rural Queenslanders and have once again betrayed the bush. This is nothing less than gun control by stealth. These measures do nothing to reduce the incidence of illegal firearms in our community and reduce violent criminals. These measures only serve to punish legitimate pistol owners in rural areas.” Mr Knuth said.