Shooters may lose licence if COVID directions breached

Victoria Police sent an e-mail to licensed firearm holders on Friday night, warning them their licence "could be suspended, cancelled or may be subject to a reprimand which could harm any future licensing", should they breach the Chief Health Officer's directives.

"Blatant and deliberate disregard of the CHO's directions endangers public safety and calls into question a licence holders suitability to be licensed in an area that requires a strong emphasis on safety," the e-mail from the Licensing and Regulation Division read.

Field and Game Australia slammed the e-mail as an "outrageous overreach" and said it was discriminatory against Victorian shooters.

"This positive discrimination is unacceptable. We saw earlier this year the overreach by Victoria Police with firearms retailers," a statement read.

IN OTHER NEWS TODAY:

"This is again another overreach discriminating again against firearms licence holders."

In March, the state government severely restricted access to firearms and ammunition after sales spiked amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Only those with "occupational needs" to firearms - such as farmers, rural landholders and security guards - were allowed to apply for permits and purchase guns and ammunition.

At the time, recreational and sports shooters said the decision was "disappointing" and "a blow to law-abiding gun owners".

COVID-19 UPDATE: Road map to re-open Victoria set for Sunday release

Sporting Shooters' Association of Australia said it was aware of some firearm owners who'd had their licences suspended after breaching stage four restrictions and was seeking legal advice.

"No other segment of society is facing additional punitive measures for breaching current COVID-19 restrictions. Yet again it would appear that legally licensed firearms owners are being singled out and being treated unfairly," the body said in a statement.

"Why are the same standards and demands not made of Victorians in other sports or recreational pursuits?"

MAKING NEWS ACROSS THE WIMMERA:

Field and Game Australia said it had written to the Minister of Police and the Victorian Discrimination Commissioner about the "positive discrimination by Victoria Police".

"To imply that 'blatant and deliberate disregard of the CHO's directions endangers public safety and calls into question a licence holders suitability to be licensed in an area that requires a strong emphasis on safety' is disgraceful and again tries to paint licensed firearms holders in a poor light," it said.

"This behaviour must be called out. FGA will be taking this issue up on behalf of members."

Both bodies said they respected and supported the directives implemented by the Chief Health Office during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Do you have something to say on this issue? Send a Letter to the Editor to newsdesk@mailtimes.com.au

Did you know you can receive updates straight to your inbox? To make sure you're up-to-date with news from across the region, sign up below.