Gun Lobby Targets Marginal Labor Seats in NSW Over Post-Bondi Reforms
The Australian Recreation Union (ARU), a gun users' group, has launched a targeted campaign against marginal Labor seats ahead of the 2027 New South Wales election. This move comes in opposition to firearm control laws that were swiftly enacted following the Bondi terror attack in December. The ARU's strategy focuses on supporting candidates and parties that reject these legislative changes, which it deems unjustified and lacking in evidence.
Campaign Details and Targeted Electorates
In an email dispatched last week to the electorate offices of 15 Labor backbenchers, the ARU outlined its plans. The group has recruited campaign managers across 17 electorates it considers vulnerable, including Kogarah, held by Premier Chris Minns, and Swansea, represented by Police Minister Yasmin Catley. Tracy Gavan, the ARU's director, emphasised in the communication that this initiative is not a personal attack on individual MPs but a response to what the union perceives as NSW Labor's anti-firearm owner stance.
The email stated, "We understand that as a backbencher, you are not in a position to vote contrary to the party line. However, unfortunately, NSW Labor has taken an unjustified and evidence-free position against firearm owners." The ARU has invited these MPs to discuss the issues further, asserting that its campaigning will fully comply with NSW electoral laws.
Political Reactions and Legislative Background
The gun control legislation was rushed through parliament on 24 December as part of an omnibus bill that also included amendments to hate speech and protest restrictions. These laws limit recreational firearms to four per person and 10 for commercial uses such as farming, sport, and target shooting. While the Liberals, under leader Kellie Sloane, supported the legislation in the aftermath of the attack, the Nationals opposed it, arguing it imposed arbitrary limits on farmers and regional businesses.
In response to the ARU's campaign, Police Minister Yasmin Catley defended the reforms, stating, "The government introduced these laws following the deadliest terrorist attack Australia has seen. The aim of our tough reforms is to protect the community, and we make no apologies for that." She added that Labor will not back down to threats.
Coalition Engagement and Future Implications
The NSW Liberal and National parties confirmed they had introductory calls with the ARU after the gun law changes but have not accepted any campaign support. Nationals leader Gurmesh Singh criticised the reforms as rushed and lacking sufficient stakeholder engagement. Meanwhile, Liberal leader Kellie Sloane has suggested a need to revisit the changes, citing a spike in licence applications for sport and target shooting as a reason.
The ARU, which describes itself as committed to protecting access to hunting, fishing, and shooting sports, is an approved hunting club on the Central Coast of NSW. It does not appear in the register of third-party campaigners for the 2027 election or in disclosed political donor lists since 2018. This campaign highlights ongoing tensions between gun control advocates and recreational firearm users in Australian politics, with potential implications for electoral outcomes in key marginal seats.
