New figures reveal private arsenals of guns in Nambucca Macleay Districts

Adler Shotgun

New figures obtained by The Greens show there are a growing number of guns in the greater Kempsey district, with some locals amassing private arsenals that could pose a danger to the public.

The data shows there are 1279 registered firearms owners in the postcode area 2440 alone, who own a total of 5644 guns. 

The average number of guns per owner is 4.4, with one individual owning as many as 87 guns. Even when this large number is taken from the total the average still tops 4.3. 

 

When the area of Nambucca/Macleay is considered the average decreases to only 4.2 with near 10,000 guns owned by just 2300 people.

“The records make clear that these are not collectors or dealers but individuals who have been allowed to amass private arsenals,” said Greens NSW MP David Shoebridge, who obtained the data through an FOI request.

“This is because a loophole in NSW gun laws allows private individuals to use the same reason to buy their 1st, 10th or 310th gun. We need to close this loophole immediately.”

Secretary of the Local Greens Group and shooter, Arthur Bain, said there is no good reason for people to own dozens of guns even in a rural area such as Kempsey. 

“Why does anyone need 87 guns? It’s excessive, and it increases the risk that guns will end up in the hands of criminals, or will be used unlawfully by their owners. 

"Ultimately, it poses a threat to our community’s safety despite the comprehensive efforts of the local police in their checking of security at owners’ properties. 

“We absolutely accept that landholders may need a gun – or even several guns – for pest control on their properties, but there needs to be a limit.”

The total number of guns in NSW has jumped by 65,000 in just two years, and there are now over 900,000 registered guns in our community. 

Mr Shoebridge said: “It’s a direct result of failures on gun laws by Labor and the Liberal National Party, and favouritism towards the gun lobby. 

“A 20-year review of gun laws enacted after the Port Arthur Massacre in 1996 did not even look at capping the number of guns that can be owned by one individual,” Mr Shoebridge said.

February 28