NRA lock on policy ‘pure evil’

FORMER deputy prime minister Tim Fischer has told Donald Trump to “get real” on gun control following the Las Vegas shooting massacre.

Former National Party leader Mr Fischer, who served as deputy PM under John Howard from 1996 until 1999, supported tough gun control after the Port Arthur massacre in April 1996, despite some resistance from the bush.

He agreed with the US President that the actions of Las Vegas gunman were “pure evil” but added the National Rifle Association had also played a role.

“The White House will produce slick statements saying now is not the time to enter any conversation on gun control,” Mr Fischer told Sky News. “When is the time? After another Orlando? After another Las Vegas? The pure evil is the lock the NRA has on too many in the USA.”

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said yesterday he would not buy into US policy debate, but added Australia was “very proud of our strict gun control regime”.

He said the government would maintain it and was not complacent about it.