Hunter MP Dan Repacholi is taking aim at those who have questioned where he’ll stand on gun law reforms in the wake of the Bondi massacre.
Parliament resumed on Monday 19 January to pay respects to victims of the 14 December attack, when 15 people were killed by gunmen targeting a Jewish celebration.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese initially planned to introduce an omnibus bill criminalising hate speech and strengthening gun laws, before widespread opposition forced him to split the legislation into two.
If the latter’s successful, a national buyback scheme would be introduced, as well as stricter firearm controls.
Hunter-based Nationals Senator, and Shadow Minister for Water, Emergency Management, and Forestry and Fisheries, Ross Cadell said it was Mr Repacholi’s chance to draw a line in the sand.
“Dan has two choices this week,” he said.
“He can stand up for the people of the Hunter and oppose these overzealous and unfairly targeted changes to gun laws.
“Or, he can follow the lead of his ‘puppet master’ and once again sell out those who elected him.
“Mr Repacholi’s track record suggests he will do the latter and leave the people of the Hunter wondering whether they elected a local representative or a talking head for the Labor-Greens alliance.
“Alternatively, if he steps out and avoids having to vote, he’ll prove he is too weak to stand up for the region.
“Last month, Mr Repacholi wrote on social media that he did ‘not support changes that unfairly target responsible, law-abiding firearms owners’ and that ‘measures that are blunt, symbolic or simply designed to appease public anger without improving safety are not the answer’.”
“His stance will send a clear message about his allegiances.”
But, Mr Repacholi fired back, saying there had been a lot of noise and “bullshit” about the proposed gun laws.
“State governments control licencing, categories and limits,” the five-time Olympic shooter and Commonwealth Games gold medallist said.
“The Commonwealth controls imports and illegal weapons.
“Most of what people are angry about are NSW decisions already made, not Canberra.
“The state decides what you can own or must surrender.
“Federally, we deal with illegal imports, 3D-printed guns and background checks.
“If you’re angry about licence caps or categories, that’s an NSW Government issue.
“Another myth is sport shooters are being banned… and pistols are being wiped out.
“That claim is wrong.
“I’ve been working directly with the Minister and industry to push for changes… and get the balance right.
“That work’s continuing.
“The Gun Buyback Scheme is being discussed because states have already changed their laws.
“Without it, people would be forced to hand in firearms with no compensation.
“That’s not fair.
“I hear shooters’ concerns.
“However, we also need to cut through the crap about what’s actually happening.”
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