Calls to clarify self-defence laws

STATE laws should be changed to protect the rights of homeowners and help vulnerable victims protect themselves against attackers.

That’s according to Shooters Union Australia which is calling for the State Government to change ambiguous laws which leave licensed gun owners at risk of prosecution for defending their homes from intruders.

SUA vice president David Brown said the reforms should go further and allow background-checked and licensed residents, including vulnerable women, to carry guns as protection.

“We believe in everyone’s right to be background checked and licensed. Also the right to keep firearms for the purpose of self-defence as it is the only means of levelling the playing field against an aggressor,” Mr Brown said.

It follows the seizure of registered firearms from an Albury farmer last month after he scared away an intruder at his home by holding an unloaded rifle.

The farmer said he had used the rifle as a prop and not pointed it at the intruder.

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the laws would be looked at in the wake of the incident, and it’s something the SUA wants to see replicated in Queensland.

Mr Brown said the laws would have local impact.

“The Darling Downs has a very high percentage of gun ownership, for hunting, sporting and working,” he said.

“A significant number of residents on the Darling Downs who are firearms owners would be completely unsure of their rights using their available tools for the purpose of self-defence.

“We’d like the government to come out and declare and educate people on what their rights are in terms of self-defence. That’s not necessarily including a firearm.

“In general terms across Australia you are allowed to defend yourself with anything that is available to you but you are not allowed to keep any specific item solely for the purpose of self-defence.

“That’s at odds with the concept of being able to defend yourself.”

The Darling Downs has a very high percentage of gun ownership.

— David Brown