President’s Message

January 2026

SSAA Queensland continues to stay in contact with the Queensland State Police Minister’s Office and the Weapons Licensing Group. Currently there are no specifics about any changes to firearms laws in the state nor have any been drafted.

We welcome Premier Crisafulli’s recent public comments after the Bondi terrorist attack. Premier Crisafulli has been cautious about endorsing any future changes to firearm laws and said they will be considered in a “proper and considered way”.

Prior to Christmas, the Labor Opposition called on the government to implement changes to the state’s firearm laws after the recommendations from the Wieambilla murders coroner’s report was released. Police Minister Dan Purdie rejected the call and said they would “closely consider” all findings and recommendations.

We applaud the government’s cautiousness in these matters, and we will continue to engage to ensure there are not any unintended consequences of rushed legislation as we have witnessed in New South Wales.

The Federal Parliament is due to be recalled early next week to debate the Combating Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill restricting hate speech as well as a national gun buyback scheme and stricter firearm import controls.

The fact that the unrelated policy areas have been thrown into the same Bill is, no doubt, an attempt to ram the legislation through without proper debate or amendments. The states have also made it clear they are not happy to be asked to pay for half the firearm buyback costs, and no detail has been provided about what a buyback would capture, be it parts, unwanted firearms, heirlooms, etc. It is our position that the terrorists should never have had access to firearms let alone a firearms licence. Notwithstanding the culprits guilt and responsibility, a buyback and any major changes to firearm laws are simply a cynical distraction from authorities’ failures leading up to the terrorist attack. Firearms owners are being used as a scapegoat and we are cynical of their motives.

Please continue to read our e-newsletters and The Report magazine and visit the SSAA Queensland website and SSAA Queensland | Facebook page for more information and pass that on to the members of your clubs.

Membership Renewals – Urgent

Members: Please ensure you are renewing your SSAA Queensland membership through the SSAA Queensland website (ssaaqld.org.au/membership/) or if in doubt call our office on 07 3492 9237. Do not attempt to renew your membership through the SSAA Inc website, as this will sign you up to a South Australian company called the Queensland Hunting & Shooting (QHS) club that doesn’t qualify as a genuine reason for a firearms licence in Queensland or allow access to our clubs and ranges. If you have been tricked and have joined QHS call the SSAA Inc membership office and demand a refund. Call 02 8805 3900.

Jeff Ross

President SSAA Queensland