MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has today welcomed a new campaign to promote the safe use of firearms to keep local hunters safe in country NSW.
Mr Marshall said the vast majority of firearm licence holders who hunt in the region were responsible and this campaign was a reminder to always follow the simple steps to be safe when handling firearms.
“The GunSmart Program has been developed to provide simple safety messaging to all hunters regardless of how often they hunt or how long they have held a firearms licence,” Mr Marshall 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.
“Though our local licensed hunters have completed their initial firearms safety awareness training, this campaign is just a reminder about practicing the fundamentals of firearm safety.
“These messages will be located where hunters are likely to see them in our local community, such as ranges or retailers, so that the safe practice messages are available, accessible and regularly reinforced.”
GunSmart material listing the eight fundamentals of firearms safety including, a GunSmart magnet and sticker, firearm chamber safety flag and gun bag zipper key ring will be available from various hunting and firearms retail outlets and firing ranges.
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