April 3, 2020
Thousands of farmers are still barred from using licensed armourers and dealers despite the State Government’s recent COVID-19 backflip, according to the LNP.
Earlier this week Labor classified licensed armourers and dealers as “non-essential services” which sent the industry into lockdown before the decision was reversed.
But Shadow Minister for Agriculture Tony Perrett said the farming industry had been conned by the reversal.
He said primary producers with licenses issued prior to 2015 were still ineligible to buy ammunition and firearms.
“About half of Queensland’s farmers are still barred from purchasing firearms and ammunitions – tools of their trade – because of the Labor Government,” Mr Perrett said.
He said farmers holding OC (including OC1, OC2, OC3, OC4 and OC5) category licences issued before 2015 were barred from accessing armourers, which he estimated accounted for about half of Queensland’s farmers.
“Farmers are needed now more than ever to produce food and fibre and they rely on firearms in the management of their land,” Mr Perrett said.
“It’s essential for farmers to have access to licensed armourers and dealers to ensure they can continue to operate and adhere to animal welfare standards in the event a firearm is required to humanely euthanase a sick or injured animal.
“The service also provides a means for farmers to undertake their usual activities such as pest control.”
- Related article: Weapons Closures Relaxed
