NEW CAMPAIGN TO KEEP OUR HUNTERS SAFE

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Troy Grant and Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair today announced a new campaign to promote the safe use of firearms by hunters right across NSW.

Mr Grant said the vast majority of firearm licence holders who hunt in NSW are responsible but said this campaign was important to ensure even the most seasoned of hunters were reminded of the importance of the safe use of guns.

“GunSmart is about providing simple safety messaging to all hunters regardless of how often they hunt or how long they have had a firearms licence,” Mr Grant said.

“Simple things, like treating every firearm as though it is loaded, pointing a firearm in a safe direction at all times and only loading a firearm when ready to fire, can substantially reduce the risk of firearm related accidents from occurring.”

Mr Blair said these gun safety messages are as important as road safety messages for our hunting community.

“While all licensed hunters have completed their initial firearms safety awareness course to obtain their licence, this campaign is about is being reminded of and practicing the fundamentals of firearm safety,” Mr Blair said.

“Things as simple as safety messages on a gun bag zipper or a magnet on the fridge could make all the difference in protecting hunters from serious injury or death.”

The eight fundamentals of firearm safety are:

  • Treat every firearm as though it is loaded.
  • Always point a firearm in a safe direction.
  • Load a firearm only when ready to fire.
  • Identify your target beyond all doubt and know what is beyond it.
  • Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire.
  • Never rely on the firearms safety mechanism.
  • Store and transport firearms and ammunition separately and safely.
  • Never handle or use firearms when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Firearms Safety Kits containing this material can also be obtained by calling the DPI Game Licensing Unit on (02) 63913750.

For more information on GunSmart, please visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au

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