NFF Responds to New Firearms Legislation

The National Farmers Federation has issued a statement following the passage of the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Firearms and Customs Laws) Bill 2026 in Parliament on Wednesday night, saying it supports reforms aimed at improving safety, including stronger background checks and measures against 3D-printed firearms.

NFF President Hamish McIntyre said: “Based on what we have seen, these changes will not have an immediate impact on farmers. Our concerns have always been about indirect or unintended consequences, and the lack of clarity around how some elements of the Bill will operate in practice.”

The NFF called for careful government engagement during implementation, including a fair Buyback Scheme if firearms must be surrendered, covering not only weapons but associated equipment and ammunition.

Mr McIntyre also noted there has been significant misinformation about the Bill’s impacts, stressing that the legislation is not intended to target farmers or remove legitimate tools of the trade. He added that the greatest potential impacts are likely to come from state and territory laws, including firearm limits and licensing arrangements.