2026-07-16
The Victorian Greens have slammed revelations that the Allan Government’s new Outdoor Recreation super-agency will have the power to encourage children as young as 12 to take up shooting, describing it as another example of Labor bending over backwards for the gun lobby which lines their pockets with dirty donations. Several days after the laws creating the super-agency passed the Victorian upper house, the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (Victoria) rewarded Labor with a $1683 donation.
Victorian Greens Justice Spokesperson Katherine Copsey MP said the proposal showed how out of touch Premier Allan is with community expectations on gun safety.
Quotes attributable to Victorian Greens Justice Spokesperson Katherine Copsey:
"In the dying days of this term of government, Victorians will be asking why this deeply unpopular Labor Government keeps wasting time on loosening gun laws instead of tackling the cost of living and housing crisis.
"After previously caving to their gun lobby donors and rejecting caps on gun ownership despite expert advice, Labor now wants a government agency that can promote shooting to children. It beggars belief.
"Post-Bondi, Australians are more concerned about gun violence than ever. The last thing people want is taxpayer-funded agencies encouraging kids to become the next generation of gun users.
"Jacinta Allan is completely out of touch on gun safety. While communities want stronger protections, Labor keeps finding new ways to advance the interests of the gun lobby that lines their pockets.
"The Greens will always back evidence-based gun laws and public safety over the demands of powerful cashed-up lobby groups."