The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has welcomed the Victorian Government’s decision not to proceed with a cap on firearm numbers for primary producers, describing it as a sensible and practical outcome for regional farmers who use firearms as an agricultural tool of trade.
VFF acting president Peter Star said the decision recognised the realities of farming and the legitimate role firearms play in daily agricultural businesses across Victoria.
He noted that Victorian farmers use firearms as an essential tool for pest animal control, livestock protection, and maintaining leading animal welfare and biosecurity standards. The decision not to introduce an arbitrary cap on firearm numbers is a sensible one that acknowledges those operational needs.
Mr Star said the VFF had worked throughout the review process to ensure farmers and regional communities had a strong voice in discussions around the proposed reforms.
He stated the VFF was the only organisation directly representing farmers during consultation on the rapid review, making it a point that any reforms must recognise the unique needs of agriculture and regional Victoria.
While the VFF fully supports measures that strengthen community safety and keep firearms out of the wrong hands, Mr Star emphasised that changes must not place unreasonable costs, red tape, or administrative burdens on legitimate firearm users.
Farmers understand the importance of responsible firearm ownership and maintaining strong safety standards, and the industry fully backs the need to keep the community safe.
However, any new requirements around licensing, storage, training, or compliance must remain practical, proportionate, and workable for people living and working in rural areas.
According to the VFF, important questions still remain around reclassification, ongoing competency requirements, licensing costs, and how some of the review’s recommendations will operate in practice. Mr Star said the organisation will continue engaging with the government to ensure farmers remain part of the conversation and that future reforms are developed with genuine consultation, rather than just being lumped on regional communities.
