URGENT: Save Biathlon from Gun Law Changes
Dear Biathlon Australia Family,
In light of the tragic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, the NSW government has been the first to introduce changes to their Firearms Act - which we expect the other states & territories to copy/paste.
Of particular note, isthe reclassification of firearms with a straight-pull action or lever/button action to 'Category C' Firearms - which is far more restrictive than category A or B. Moreover, 'Sport or Target Shooting' is not currently listed as a genuine reason to hold a Category C licence in most states and territories, including the ACT, NSW, SA & Vic. So, without a Category C license, it will be illegal to own, possess, transport or use a biathlon rifle and possibly a biathlon air rifle (depending on the state).
This does not bode well for the future of our sport!
Further, our amazing National Team Athletes currently representing Australia in Europe on the International Biathlon Union (IBU) circuit will potentially find themselves in possession of a 'Category C' firearm for which they are not licensed - as most (if not all) hold Category A/B licences. Not to mention the impact it will have on our Olympic and Paralympic aspirants.
Biathlon Australia, together with Shooting Australia, have made submissions to the NSW Government - with the support and advocacy of our friends at the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and Paralympics Australia (PA) - both of whom have been amazing.
We have also reached out to numerous contacts at the Australian Sports Commission and the Federal Minister for Sport - Anika Wells.
The IBU and BIU are aware of the rapidly evolving situation and we are in regular contact with them.
What you can do:
- Write to your local members of parliament (both Lower & Upper Houses, and both State/Territory & Federal) explaining that straight-pull .22 rifles and lever action air guns/rifles (currently classified as Category A Firearms throughout Australia) are used by Australian athletes in the Olympic and Paralympic Sport of Biathlon - including those vying for a spot at the 2026 Winter Olympic & Paralympic Games. It's also worth noting that our Australian National Biathlon Team are currently competing, travelling and living in Europe at the moment - all with currently valid firearms and firearm licenses - but that could change in a blink of an eye with these hastily drafted gun law changes and leave them and their firearm in a state of limbo. Seven (7) Aussie biathletes have proudly donned the green and gold at 10 Olympic and Paralympic games. Over 30 have represented Australia at the World Championships. 15 have competed at the Youth Winter Olympic Games. And scores have competed at the World Masters Biathlon Championships and World Masters Games. Please see ourHonour Boardsfor further details.
- You might also like to write to:
- Tim McCurdy, Victorian Lower House Member for Ovens Valley (tim.mccurdy@parliament.vic.gov.au) and the numerous Upper House Members for Northern Victorian Region in which the Australian Biathlon Arena at Whiskey Flat, Hotham is located;
- The various Ministers of Police and Ministers of Sport in your respective state or territory; and
- Sign a petition/s of your liking - we're not aware of all the petitions that have been created, the people behind them or their respective political affiliations or messaging - so we are not in a position to endorse any petitions at this time. That said, I'm sure Google and your friends can point you to some petitions. You can find some here too:
https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/epetition-search/
https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/la/pages/epetitions-list.aspx
https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/lc/Pages/epetitions-list.aspx
Last but by no means least - our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and community of those slain at the Bondi Beach terrorist attack - it's a terribly sad time for them and for us.
We wish you all a very safe and Happy Olympic and Paralympic Year.
Ski Fast | Shoot Straight | Save Biathlon
David, Sandy, Brett, Libby, Katerina, Kate, Mark & Murray
