Media release – Crime Stoppers Tasmania. 14 April 2022
TASMANIAN FARMERS & GRAZIERS SUPPORT FIREARMS SAFETY
Crime Stoppers Tasmania is showing support for the safe firearm practices that farmers are following throughout the state.
Farming is a way of life for many Tasmanians, which is why the value farmers place on firearms safety is so important to both rural communities and suburban areas.
Crime Stoppers Tasmania Chairman, Mr David Daniels OAM, said Crime Stoppers acknowledges there is a legitimate need for firearms in the community. Legal ownership of certain firearms in specific circumstances such as farming is recognised in Australia.
“Primary producers have genuine reasons to hold a firearms licence and responsibly use legal firearms on their property,” said Mr Daniels.
“Crime Stoppers current national firearms campaign is focussed on gun safety, and we are encouraging firearms owners to see this campaign as a reminder to ensure their firearms and ammunition are securely and safely stored”, Mr Daniels said.
“We want to acknowledge those in the farming community who are doing the right thing in securing and storing firearms and helping to keep Tasmania safe.”
“It’s when a stolen gun or illegal firearm gets into the wrong hands that is becomes a danger to the community.”
“That’s when Crime Stoppers wants to know about it. We are asking Tasmanians, if you know of someone with illegal firearms, then tell us without having to get involved,” he said.
Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) Acting CEO Mr Marcus McShane said firearms are one of the necessary farming tools of trade that allow farmers to humanely destroy domestic livestock and manage browsing wildlife or feral animals.
“As a farmer, there are strict rules around the ownership, use and storage of firearms to ensure the safety of operators and the general public”, said Mr McShane.
“Safe firearms storage is vital. I store firearms and ammunition in secure cabinets which are also bolted down for additional safety.”
“Farmers need to abide by safe and legal firearm practices including awareness of neighbouring properties, noise disturbance and the community as a whole”, Mr McShane said.
Southern District Commander Tim Dooley said that all Tasmanians can help keep our community safe by ensuring that any firearms we have are safely secured so that they don’t fall into the wrong hands.
“We need the community’s help to get illegal and unregistered firearms off the street by taking proactive steps to store firearms correctly and hand in unwanted or unregistered firearms so they can’t be targeted by criminals,” Commander Dooley said.
“When a person is attending to surrender items to police, they are asked to drive up to the location, leave the items in their car, and walk up and speak to officers on site who will safely retrieve the items.
“There are no penalties associated with surrendering firearms during an amnesty regardless of how they may have come into people’s possession.”
To share information about an unregistered or illegal gun, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or go online at www.crimestopperstas.com.au.
