Firearms businesses struggling under Minns government's gun laws
Family-run firearms businesses say they are copping the brunt of the Minns government's post-Bondi gun laws, with some forced to sell their homes and dip into their retirement nest eggs.
Firearms businesses in New South Wales are suffering significant financial losses due to the state government's post-Bondi gun laws passed in December 2019. The laws, enacted in the aftermath of a terrorist attack in Bondi, have resulted in a cap on the number of firearms individuals can own and stricter licensing requirements. The state's buyback scheme, set to commence in November, offers grants of up to $25,000 to dealers.
However, many businesses claim the $25,000 grant is insufficient to offset the losses. Local dealers have reported losing hundreds of thousands in firearms trade and even having to sell their homes or retire prematurely due to the new regulations. The Kirwan family, who ran a firearms, hunting, and outdoors store in Castle Hill, have seen an 80% drop in business and have been forced to sell their home and move back in with their parents.
The opposition has criticized the government's approach, arguing that it is destroying small business owners' livelihoods. The premier's office has been asked for a comment on the matter.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
