[Greens-Media] Media Release: Rising gun numbers confirm growing gun culture

[David Shoebridge MLC]

*Media Release: Rising gun numbers confirm growing gun culture*

New gun applications in NSW have more than doubled in the last decade
according to fresh data obtained by the Greens NSW.  Since just 2002 there
have been almost half a million new permits approved by the NSW Firearms
registry that let people buy a new gun.

See report in the
SMH<http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/claims-of-growing-gun-culture-as-permit-numbers-double-20130610-2o075.html>
.

Greens MP and Justice spokesperson, David Shoebridge, said:

*“*Since 2002 the annual number of gun permits issued in NSW has risen from
29,618 to a staggering 66,460 in 2012.  This is more than double.

“In just one decade, from 2002 to 2012, the NSW Firearms registry gave
474,716 permits to get a new gun.

"These figures confirm that there is a growing gun culture in NSW.


 "State governments, both Labor and Liberal, have become part of the
problem by cutting deals with minor Shooters Party MPs in return for their
support in Parliament.


"The former Labor government created the pro-gun Game Council in a 2002
deal with Shooters MPs and Barry O'Farrell has continued the deals with
hunting in National Parks.


 "Unless we start tightening up the rules to get a firearm, we risk losing
the gun control advances achieved in the wake of the Port Arthur tragedy.

"The great majority of NSW residents want their elected representatives to
show some principle and stand up to the gun lobby and work to control gun
numbers.


"The more guns we have circulating in society, the more gun thefts we see
and the more opportunities are created for criminals to get their hands on
these lethal weapons.


“If we don’t move to reduce gun numbers, and limit the political influence
of the gun lobby, we will find itself heading down the gun-ridden and
dangerous path of America,” Mr Shoebridge said.

*Media Contact: 0408 113 952*
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David Shoebridge

Greens MP in the NSW Legislative Council

P: (02) 0408 113 952|Media: 0433 753 376|T:
@ShoebridgeMLC<http://twitter.com/#%21/shoebridgemlc>

SIGN UP TO STAY IN TOUCH at
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