Victorian Farmers Federation has welcomed the State Government’s decision to not proceed with a cap on firearm numbers for primary producers, describing it as a sensible and practical outcome.

The VFF says Victorian farmers use firearms as an agricultural tool of trade – and flagged changes to gun law ownership, in light of last year’s Bondi massacre in Sydney, would not have been workable for farmers.

VFF acting president Peter Star said the decision recognised the legitimate role firearms play in agricultural businesses across Victoria.

“Victorian farmers use firearms as an essential tool of trade for pest animal control, livestock protection and maintaining our leading animal welfare and biosecurity standards,” he said.

“The decision not to introduce an arbitrary cap on firearm numbers is a sensible one that acknowledges the operational needs of primary producers.” 

Mr Star said the VFF had worked throughout the review process to ensure farmers and regional communities had a strong voice in discussions around proposed reforms.

He said the VFF supported measures that strengthen community safety and keep firearms out of the wrong hands, provided changes did not place unreasonable costs, red-tape or administrative burdens on legitimate firearm users such as farmers.

“Farmers understand the importance of responsible firearm ownership and maintaining strong safety standards. It’s not lost on us the reason why these reforms were flagged in the first place and we fully back the need to keep the community safe,” Mr Star said.

“However, any new requirements around licensing, storage, training or compliance must be practical, proportionate and workable for people living and working in regional and rural Victoria.

“There are still important questions around reclassification, ongoing competency requirements, licensing costs and how some recommendations will operate in practice.

“The VFF will continue engaging with government to ensure farmers remain part of the conversation and that future reforms are developed with genuine consultation and not just lumped on regional communities.”

The Nationals leader Danny O’Brien said the outcome was a testament to the advocacy of law-abiding firearm owners, sporting clubs and industry organisations across Victoria.

Mr O’Brien said proposals to cap firearm ownership would have unfairly targeted recreational shooters, hunters and sporting clubs while doing nothing to improve community safety.

“This outcome is a credit to the many licensed firearm owners who stood up and made their voices heard,” he said.

“Firearm owners attended forums hosted by The Nationals, signed petitions, contacted their local MPs and advocated strongly through organisations such as the Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia, Field and Game Australia and the Australian Deer Association.”

Shadow minister for outdoor recreation Melina Bath said The Nationals would continue standing with regional Victorians and the sporting shooting community.

“Hunting and sports shooting are important recreational activities for many Victorians and The Nationals will always stand up for law-abiding firearm owners,” she said.

The entire June 3, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!