May 17, 2016
Police Minister Bill Byrne’s description comparing farmers with handguns to cowboys has riled Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington.
The Deputy Opposition Leader has called on Mr Byrne to explain why handgun (Category H) licence renewals are being denied to primary producers.
Speaking in State Parliament last week, Mr Byrne said:
“The idea of the lone cowboy having a pistol strapped to his hip as an effective weapon in agricultural applications simply does not cut it with me … I am happy to take any number of representations that it is a good idea for someone to strap a .45 to their hip as an essential tool of agriculture, but I do not know too many people – although there are some – who genuinely support the application of firearms in the agricultural sector.”
“Mr Byrne’s statements are offensive to primary producers and show he really doesn’t understand the daily operations of a farming enterprise,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“Landholders in the South Burnett have legitimate and lawful needs to carry firearms, including handguns.
“There can be times when heavier, longer rifles are not practical, such as on horseback or riding motorbikes, especially at the moment when vast areas of regional Queensland are in drought and having to humanely dispatch sick and starving livestock is, sadly, commonplace.
“It is not acceptable that Mr Byrne has already formed a personal view that farmers should not have handguns.
“If this is the case, he needs to answer what facts his views are based on, including what crimes are committed by licensed handgun owners who run and manage farms.
“Minister Byrne needs to be at arm’s length from any decision on licence renewals.
“He cannot play Minister and Magistrate.”
Mrs Frecklington asked that any primary producer who has been denied a Category H handgun licence contact her office on (07) 4190-7100.
