[Greens-Media] Silencers have no place in NSW

[David Shoebridge]

Silencers have no place in NSW
MEDIA RELEASE - 10 October 2011
 
The NSW Government standing up to the Shooters Party and ruling out the general introduction of silencers for firearms is welcome news according to Greens NSW MP and Firearms spokesperson David Shoebridge.
 
"The government deserves credit for standing up to the Shooters Party and gun lobby and making this decision based on what is best for the people of NSW," Mr Shoebridge said.
 
"The general use of silencers will further dissuade people from making use of our state forests for non-hunting purposes.
 
"Currently, the sound of weapons being fired at least alerts people to the fact that they are sharing the forest with hunters, and that they should tread carefully. 
 
"Despite this setback the Shooters Party will continue to push for weaker gun controls in NSW, using their position in the NSW Upper House to push an extreme fringe agenda.
 
"The Shooters Party want guns in the hands of public school students, deregulated ownership of high-powered air rifles, and hunting in National Parks.
 
"Under pressure from the Shooters Party and the pro-gun lobby, the former Labor Government established the NSW Game Council, introduced shooting in state forests, and re-introduced the cruel practice of duck hunting. 
 
"The Game Council was set up in 2002 as part of a deal between the Shooters Party and Labor. It promotes dangerous and inhumane methods of feral animal control such as hunting with pig dogs.
 
"This latest push by the Shooters is a further reason to abolish the pro-hunting Game Council," Mr Shoebridge said. 
 
SMH: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/government-shoots-down-proposal-to-allow-hunters-gun-silencers-20111009-1lftb.html 
 
Media contact: David Shoebridge 9230 3030 | 0408 113 952
 
 
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David Shoebridge
Greens MLC
NSW Parliament
PH: (02) 9230 3030
FX: (02) 9230 2159
www.davidshoebridge.org.au ( http://www.davidshoebridge.org.au/ )