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Thousands Support Call to Reverse Ban on Recreational Hunters

Petition demanding the Andrews Government reconsider its politically-motivated ban on recreational sales of firearms and ammunition.

By Portal Admin - 2nd June 2020 - Back to News

Thousands of Victorians have added their name to a petition demanding the Andrews Government reconsider its politically-motivated ban on recreational sales of firearms and ammunition.

On March 31, thousands of legitimate, law-abiding recreational hunters in Victoria were told they would be prevented from purchasing from retail outlets as part of COVID-19 restrictions.

The petition, supported by Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath, calls for the ban to immediately be reversed and has secured nearly 5500 signatures in just seven days.

Only the Victorian, West Australian and Queensland Labor governments have enforced similar bans.

Firearm and ammunition retailers are losing millions of dollars, impacting family businesses and forcing many Victorians out of their jobs at a time when we can least afford it.

The Minister has claimed this ban was a result of "deliberations by National Cabinet". When National Cabinet meets on Friday, the Victorian Government must commit to reversing its ban.

The Liberal Nationals have also been supporting community calls to wind back restrictions on solo recreational activities, like fishing, hunting, golf and horse-riding, providing restrictions on gatherings and social distancing rules are met.

Sign the petition at www.respectvictoriangunowners.com

Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh

Victoria’s responsible, law-abiding recreational hunting community is rightly outraged with the Andrews Government’s offensive attempt to lump them in the same basket as organised criminals.

The Andrews Government blindsided farmers and the hunting community with a ban that’s based in ideology, not facts.

This ban has cut Victorian jobs and cost the industry millions. It must be reversed.

Comments attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath

Thousands have already added their voice to the call for Labor to reverse its unjustified and politically-motivated ban.

Recreational hunter’s ability to hold a Victorian gun licence is dependent on complying with the law. They don’t take their firearms licences for granted.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com

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  The new Mallacoota Respite Care Centre provides local residents with high-quality, home-like recovery support, keeping them connected to the community while enhancing safety and healthcare services for years to come.
• Melina Bath encourages increased funding for regional palliative care, ensuring dignity and support statewide
  Melina Bath warned underfunded regional palliative care forces terminally ill Victorians into hospitals instead of home, calling for urgent investment to ensure dignity, support, and equal access across eastern Victoria.
• Victorian government confirms Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix will remain at Phillip Island with ongoing event support
  Bass Coast Council welcomes Victorian Government confirming Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix will stay at Phillip Island, rejecting Albert Park move, ensuring ongoing funding, supporting tourism, jobs, and regional community benefits beyond 2026.
• Darren Chester and Martin Cameron launch petition urging action on long-delayed Traralgon Princes Highway bypass project
  Darren Chester and Martin Cameron have launched a community petition urging state and federal governments to prioritise funding and design work for the long-delayed Traralgon Princes Highway bypass to ease congestion.
• Allan Labor government backs First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with new sports grants
  The Allan Labor government has announced over $67,000 in Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants, supporting First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with travel, uniforms, and equipment to compete locally and nationally.
• Danny O'Brien urges Allan Labor government to fix online rebate issues affecting CFA and SES volunteers' access to support
  Danny O'Brien has urged the Allan Labor Government to fix the online-only rebate system, saying CFA and SES volunteers struggle to access support and deserve easier, paper-based application options.
• Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades boost tourism, safety, and local businesses with $3.8M government support
  Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades, supported by $3.8 million government funding, improve safety, accessibility, tourism, and local business, while celebrating Indigenous culture and supporting bushfire-affected communities.
• Latrobe City Mayor Cr Gibson urges governments to reconsider brown coal oil production to address Australia’s fuel crisis and energy security
  Latrobe City Mayor urges State and Federal governments to reconsider brown coal-to-oil production as a solution to Australia’s fuel crisis and long-term energy security challenges.
• Latrobe City adopts Amendment C150, rezoning Traralgon Golf Club land to reflect ongoing recreational use
  Latrobe City Council has adopted Amendment C150, rezoning Traralgon Golf Club land to a Special Use Zone, securing its long-term recreational use and preventing residential development.
• Melina Bath backs Victoria’s fishing industry after San Remo visit with seafood sector leaders
  Melina Bath reaffirmed support for Victoria’s commercial and recreational fishing sectors after visiting San Remo, highlighting seafood importance to regional jobs, sustainability, food security and balanced marine management across Victoria.
• Tim Bull slams government over firewood shortages, fuel loads and lack of practical solutions
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has slammed government policy for firewood shortages, warning rising bush fuel loads pose serious risks, calling for extended collection areas, longer seasons and practical fire management.
• DEECA invites landcare groups to apply for Victorian government grants with $3.55M in total by 23 April 2026
  Victorian Landcare Grants offer $3.55 million to support environmental volunteers, funding projects up to $20,000 that protect nature, restore habitats, and connect communities. Applications close 23 April 2026.
• Melina Bath demands Allan government deliver promised 'Youth Crime Prevention Program' for Latrobe Valley
  The Nationals are demanding the Allan government deliver the long-promised Youth Crime Prevention Program in Latrobe Valley, addressing rising youth crime, restoring diversion programs, and supporting at-risk young people effectively.