[Greens-Media] SYLVIA HALE - Virginia Tech massacre is shocking reminder of need for gun control

[Lee Rhiannon]

Media Release - 17 April 2007 

Virginia Tech massacre is shocking reminder of need for gun control 

The Greens NSW today expressed their condolences to the families and friends of those murdered at Virginia Tech and called on the NSW government to tighten up gun control laws.

Greens MP Sylvia Hale said: "Our hearts go out to the students and staff at Virginia Tech who are dealing with the aftermath of this terrible event. 

"The death of 32 students at Virginia Tech is a terrifying inevitability in a society awash with firearms. The ready availability of firearms so easily escalates a domestic altercation into a tragedy. 

"The Iemma government must do everything it can to reduce gun-related crime in NSW. Semi-automatic handguns can still be freely bought and sold anywhere in Australia.

"These are extremely dangerous weapons that could lead to multiple deaths in the wrong hands at the wrong time. 

"Australia learned only half the lessons of the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. Australia learned only half the lessons of the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. The subsequent ban on semi-automatic long arms was an important first step but failed to remove all semi-automatic weapons.

"Premier Iemma must resist the power of the Shooters Party and protect the people of NSW.

"While he will be tempted to shy away from this issue because of the two Shooters Party members in the NSW Upper House and their ability to help him pass legislation, the Premier should put community safety ahead of political convenience.
"The young lives lost in the Virginia Tech tragedy should not be forgotten. In their memory, we should make this state safer by cracking down on all semi-automatic weapons," Sylvia Hale said.
For more information: Hazel Blunden 0437 092 154