FIREARMS LAWS SENT TO INQUIRY FOR CONSULTATION WITH LICENCE HOLDERS, BUSINESSES
An Upper House inquiry will examine the Minns Labor Government’s rushed firearm laws, giving firearms owners and related businesses a powerful platform to speak about the impact of this legislation.
The Firearms Legislation Amendment (Reforms Repeal) Bill 2026 was referred to the NSW Parliament’s Committee on Justice and Communities for inquiry on Tuesday.
The inquiry will examine the Government’s implementation of the firearms reforms introduced in December 2025, the effect of those laws on licensed firearms owners, gun clubs and businesses, and the proposed repeal legislation currently before Parliament.
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, welcomed the inquiry and said it was an important opportunity for affected communities to finally have their concerns properly considered.
“Those who hold a firearms licence should have been consulted before these laws were rushed through Parliament,” Ms Cooke said.
“This inquiry is a long-needed step in the right direction, and it will demand the committee engage with farmers, athletes, hunters, pest controllers and business owners, and present informed recommendations to the Government.”
“The people best placed to inform firearms policy are those who live with its consequences every day, and that’s why their experiences must form part of any future recommendations to Parliament.”
The inquiry will report its findings by February 15, 2027.
Ms Cooke is encouraging affected residents to start preparing their submissions so communities across the Cootamundra electorate are heard throughout the process.
“In my nine years as a Member of Parliament, I’ve never seen such a high level of enquiries and concerns about a piece of legislation,” Ms Cooke said.
“Hundreds of my constituents have written to me about the practical and financial effects these laws will have on them and their loved ones.”
“If every one of those constituents can take the time to write to this inquiry, our communities’ collective voice could significantly shape the future of NSW firearms laws.”
Ms Cooke said she would update the community once the consultation period opens.
