17/08/2026
I interrupt Merchandise Monday
1. Because Facebook doesn't like me posting about things we sell, they think it's dangerous and offensive.
2. Because I don't want Chris Minns to do this to NSW Gun Shops and firearm owners. The man who has been the best at putting this into words is Philip Donato Independent NSW MP.
“These are law-abiding people who have complied with the rules, paid their fees, stored their fi****ms properly and followed the law. They are now being told that property they lawfully purchased can be taken from them – in most cases for well below its market value.”
The fixed compensation arrangements are expected to range from approximately $450 for an air rifle to $1,000 for centre-fire fi****ms, with handguns also included in the scheme.
“The government needs to explain how it arrived at these figures. A fixed payment of $450 or $1,000 does not necessarily reflect what these fi****ms are actually worth,” said Mr Donato.
The scheme also provides for some higher-value fi****ms to receive compensation of up to $10,000 each from early next year, however, there is scant detail on this proposed phase, and there is a massive $2k void between fi****ms valued at $ 1,000 in the first phase and the $3000+ fi****ms in the second phase!
“What exactly is a ‘higher-value’ firearm? Who decides what it is worth? What valuation methodology will be used, and what right will an owner have to challenge an assessment?”
“These are not minor details. We are talking about people's property and, potentially, thousands of dollars in value,” said Mr Donato.
Dealers face an uncertain future…
The impact on fi****ms dealers is another major concern, with eligible businesses able to apply for grants of up to $25,000.
Phil Donato MP said the proposed assistance was nowhere near sufficient for many businesses.
“A $25,000 grant is simply not an adequate response for a business that may have hundreds of thousands of dollars legitimately invested in stock.”
“These dealers purchased their stock lawfully and operated their businesses within the rules set by government. They should not be left carrying the financial burden of a policy change they did not cause.”
“Some dealers are already struggling. This scheme could push otherwise viable small businesses to the wall, and many will not survive long enough to receive the government’s paltry offer."
“I’ve been lobbying government all year to support these businesses, yet it’s been ignored. The Bondi businesses were given almost immediate financial support, but fi****ms dealers have been thrown on the scrapheap - just like the fi****ms the government will now just pay cents on the dollar for.”
The overall cost of implementing, administering and compensating people under the scheme has been estimated at close to $1 billion!
“Close to $1 billion is a staggering amount of taxpayers’ money,” Donato said.
“Think about what that money could do in regional hospitals, schools, roads, public transport, or essential services.”
“It does not address the real source of the problem.”
We need to tell the public how much money people will be losing under this regime. We need to tell the public how much government money is going to be wasted on "protecting the public" from the most vetted, responsible citizens in our communities. People that are scared to step a foot wrong in fear that they may lose their fi****ms licence.
