Clarifying the Structure of the SSAA

Dear Members, 

There has been confusion and misleading claims recently about the structure of the SSAA and the role of SSAA National (Inc). The SSAA operates under a federalised model: each state and territory is a separate legal entity, and you are a member of SSAA Queensland, not SSAA Inc. The national body exists to provide services to state associations.  

Firearms are a state issue, and different states face a wide variety of local and varied issues, and so, it makes sense that the SSAA was structured along these lines. 

A helpful comparison are the motoring groups: RACQ, NRMA, and RACV – all of which are independent state bodies that choose to belong to the Australian Automobile Association (AAA). Individuals join RACQ or NRMA – not the AAA itself. The state body RACQ is the one you’ve likely dealt with, rather than the AAA, since roads, vehicle registration, etc are state issues.  

Queensland is by far the largest and best-resourced association, with more than 80,000 members and significant assets. Because of our size, capacity, and financial strength, throughout the years we have moved to providing more of the services our members need. Again, most issues affecting shooters – licensing, ranges, competitions, and politics – are state-based, and Queensland is well equipped to manage them directly and effectively. 

It makes perfect sense for smaller states to utilise services from SSAA Inc. It does not make sense for Queensland to pay for services since we are able to provide them more effectively ourselves. 

To be completely clear: 

• SSAA Queensland is the organisation you belong to. 

• SSAA Queensland is your genuine reason. 

• Your public liability is provided and managed by SSAA Queensland. 

• SSAA Queensland has more than 75 ranges and affiliates. 

• SSAA Inc (National) has zero ranges or branches. 

• SSAA Queensland is not going anywhere.  

We will continue to act in the best interests of Queensland shooters and ensure your membership funds are used where they matter most now and into the future.  

Sincerely, 

Jeff Ross, 
President SSAA Queensland 

 
For more information:  
Phone: 07 3281 3447 

Email: enquiry@ssaaqld.org.au