Gun Lobby Targets Marginal Labor Seats in NSW Over Post-Bondi Reforms
The Australian Recreation Union (ARU), a gun users' group, has launched a targeted campaign against marginal Labor seats ahead of the 2027 New South Wales state election. The group explicitly opposes firearm control laws that were swiftly enacted following the deadly Bondi terror attack in December.
Direct Communication with Labor Backbenchers
In a recent email sent to fifteen Labor backbenchers, ARU director Tracy Gavan outlined their strategic approach. The communication specifically mentioned targeting vulnerable electorates including Kogarah, held by Premier Chris Minns, and Swansea, represented by Police Minister Yasmin Catley.
"This is not a personal attack on you," Gavan stated in the email. "We understand that as a backbencher, you are not in a position to vote contrary to the party line. However, unfortunately, NSW Labor has taken an unjustified and evidence-free position against firearm owners."
The ARU has reportedly recruited campaign managers across seventeen electorates they consider vulnerable for Labor in the upcoming election.
Legislative Background and Political Responses
The controversial gun control legislation was rushed through parliament on December 24 as part of an omnibus bill that also included changes to hate speech laws and protest restrictions. The new laws limit recreational firearms to four per person and ten for commercial purposes including farming, sport, and target shooting.
While the Liberal Party under new leader Kellie Sloane supported the December legislation, emphasizing bipartisanship after the terror attack, the Nationals opposed the changes. Nationals leader Gurmesh Singh criticized the reforms as "rushed through the parliament with limited consultation and insufficient stakeholder engagement."
Police Minister Yasmin Catley responded firmly to the ARU's campaign threats: "The government introduced these laws following the deadliest terrorist attack Australia has seen. The aim of our tough reforms is to protect the community, and we make no apologies for that."
Political Positioning and Historical Context
The ARU had previously expressed its intention to support candidates and parties opposing the gun laws in communications with Nationals leadership. In late December, Gavan wrote to Nationals leader Gurmesh Singh and deputy leader Kevin Anderson, stating: "In alignment with our shared values, we would be pleased to extend our formal support to the Nationals party. Conversely, we are committed to actively campaigning against those parties that have endorsed the aforementioned firearm restrictions."
Interestingly, prior to the Bondi attack, the Minns government had supported a private member's bill from the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party that would have legislated hunting rights and relaxed restrictions on equipment like night vision goggles and silencers. Following public backlash, the government withdrew parliamentary time for the bill.
Organizational Details and Electoral Compliance
The ARU describes itself as "committed to protecting responsible access to hunting, fishing, 4WDing, shooting sports and other activities." Registered as an approved hunting club on the Central Coast of NSW, the organization can issue restricted game licences.
In their communications, the ARU emphasized that their campaigning would "fully comply with electoral laws in NSW." Notably, the group does not currently appear in the register of third-party campaigners for the 2027 election, nor do its directors appear in disclosed political donor records since 2018.
The NSW Liberal and National parties confirmed they had introductory calls with the ARU following the gun law changes but stated they had not accepted any campaign support from the organization.
