Assault on gun supply

THIS week we have another attack on shooting and hunting that has almost military planning.

Cut the supply lines and the antigun groups will win the war.

But it won’t only be hunters and sports shooters who are the casualties, it will be much more broadly felt if FedEx/Toll and Northline pull out of transporting firearms and ammunition around Australia.

The entire Australian firearms industry has been left blindsided and without a secure supply chain after FedEx / TNT cancelled crucial freight solutions for all Australian firearms businesses.

In a simple form letter sent to businesses across Australia, FedEx / TNT sales managing director Matt Daniels advised, “As we progress with FedExTNT integration, we are continuing to align TNT operations and transportation policies to FedEx Express. Effective from 9 August 2021, we will cease the transportation of firearms, weaponry and ammunition in both our Domestic and International networks”.

Northline followed suit and will cease transport, too, by August 30.

When I mentioned this to Professor

Grahame Webb he said, “Aboriginal people, on country, are hunters. They use guns to eradicate feral animals, which are seriously damaging sensitive environments in world heritage areas like the Arafura Swamp, and to feed people in communities and when out on country”.

“Farmers and graziers use guns for various purposes, often to end the pain and suffering of domestic animals in trouble. This is all part of Australia’s rural heritage and culture. What possible right does a US-based company have to take over the transport industry in Australia and unilaterally decide – without any public debate – to use its commercial power to dictate such an assault on the culture and rights of Indigenous and rural peoples in Australia, and of course the many law-abiding citizens who use guns and ammunition for the pursuit of legal activities – including Olympic Games sports. And where are our outraged politicians?”.

Shooting Industry Foundation of Australia executive officer James Walsh said he was concerned about the potential ramifications.

“It is quite scary that in Australia a foreign-owned business can set up shop, become the major industry player and then cancel essential business services to an entire industry,” he said.