Member for Western Victoria Bev McArthur has backed a petition aimed at stopping further firearms restrictions and reforms in Victoria.
The petition has attracted over 12,500 signatures.
Ms McArthur said law-abiding farmers, hunters and sporting shooters were being made scapegoats for criminals and violent extremists.
The petition rejects the call for new restrictions, calling instead for current laws to be more closely enforced.
Ms McArthur told parliament in rural areas guns were an important part of life.
“For many in my electorate, outside the political bubble, firearms are not some abstract, alien, scary item,” Ms McArthur said.
“They are the tools of trade and part of everyday life.
“Farmers use them for pest control and stock protection.
“Professional kangaroo harvesters use them as part of humane and necessary wildlife management.
“Recreational hunters contribute to local economies, regional tourism and conservation outcomes.
“Duck hunters in particular have every right to be angry at the way they have been smeared in recent years, despite the enormous work groups like Field & Game have done in wetland protection, habitat restoration and research.”Â
