THE state’s peak farming group warns rushed changes to firearms legislation are unworkable.

NSW Farmers’ president Xavier Martin said multiple attempts had been made over the past week to engage with the NSW Government in the wake of the Bondi terror attack to ensure farmers and those in agriculture were not impacted by any knee-jerk reaction to the atrocity.

“Farmers have been misled by the NSW Government,” Mr Martin said.

“It’s incredible this government has allowed generous capping exemptions for recreational shooters but for farmers who need firearms to control pests, minimise biosecurity risks and for the humane management of animals, the government hasn’t given us a second’s thought.

“The Premier acknowledged farmers and agriculture had unique requirements when it came to firearms but these reforms have been put together in such a rush, the government hasn’t even turned its attention to the unintended consequences and anomalies.

“Firearms laws are complex and multifaceted, and it is deeply disappointing that despite our repeated offers to provide practical input and consultation the government has not chosen to talk to us,” Mr Martin said.

NSW Farmers’ is particularly concerned about the capping of 10 firearms for those in agriculture as this will impact farmers whose farm business spreads over more than one property and may require them to transport guns between multiple properties, creating potentially other dangerous consequences.

“We’re now being told that farmers have to sign up to a gun club in order to keep their licence,” Mr Martin said.

“What will this mean for farmers who live hours away from their closest gun club,” he questioned.

“Changing the licence renewal period from five years to two years is also ridiculous.

“It’s more red-tape for law-abiding farmers who just want to get on with their job of producing the best food and fibre in the world.

“NSW Farmers’ does not support unworkable rules on firearms for farmers and those working in agriculture, and we will continue to make representations on behalf of our sector.

“We believe these changes will increase risk to the public, not diminish it, and will seriously reduce our ability to tackle the exploding numbers of feral and pest animals across the landscape, and damage the state’s productivity.

“Last week’s atrocity was not the fault of firearms. It was an act of violent extremism which had everything to do with hate.

“We welcome the crackdown on hate speech, but we are deeply frustrated that the government has failed to engage in any meaningful way in what is a critical issue for farmers,” Mr Martin said.

National Farmers’ Federation president Hamish McIntyre said the NFF is urging calm and considered firearms reform following the horrific attack at Bondi.

“There is no place in Australia for this kind of violence, and like every Australian, farmers place community safety above all else,” Mr McIntyre said.

“This tragedy demands a serious response, and we understand the need for governments to act decisively to ensure something like this never happens again.

“However, any reforms must provide the best outcomes for the whole community, recognising that community safety also includes food safety and protection from biosecurity risks.

“Firearms have a legitimate and essential role on farms. They are used for animal welfare and protecting the land from feral animals and pests that create biosecurity and food safety risks and cause immense damage to Australia’s precious ecosystem.

“Their use is highly regulated, and farmers take their responsibilities seriously,” he said.

“We support sensible reforms that strengthen community safety, but those reforms must be developed carefully and with proper consultation to ensure they don’t undermine farm safety, animal welfare and environmental management.

“Concerns are already emerging in New South Wales, where proposed reforms have progressed with limited engagement with the farm sector, despite acknowledgment that agriculture requires firearms.

“Quite simply, firearms are an essential tool of trade for farmers and those who assist them,” Mr McIntyre said.

“While firearms regulation is a state-by-state matter, every jurisdiction will be watching NSW closely. Decisions made there will set the tone nationally.

“At a national level, the Government is also considering a raft of reforms, and the NFF will engage constructively.

“It is essential that governments right across the country engage with the NFF and our Members to ensure reforms enhance public safety while preserving legitimate firearm access for primary producers.

“We will continue to advocate respectfully, responsibly and firmly for farmers, while recognising the gravity of this moment for our nation,” he said.