NSW Premier Chris Minns Rejects ‘Right to Hunt’ Over Gun Law Concerns

New South Wales (NSW) Premier Chris Minns has ruled out supporting the “right to hunt,” warning it could lead to weaker gun laws.

This comes amid a proposed bill from the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party (SFFP) that would legislate the “right to hunt.”

The bill would also allow licensed hunters to use more public land for hunting.

“I have made it clear over the past week that the government will not be supporting a right to hunt in New South Wales,” Minns told parliament in response to questions from Liberal Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch (pdf).

“The evocative position about the right to bear arms in the United States is not something that we need in Australia.”

Minns said gun laws would not be watered down under his leadership.

“We have also made it clear that we will not be changing the law on firearms legislation in New South Wales. We are not changing our point of view,” Minns said.

He was also pressed on why the government opposed referring the bill to an upper house inquiry for further scrutiny.

He pointed to divisions within the Liberal Party, noting that Liberal MLC Rachel Merton had expressed support for the bill.

“I speak to the bill as not only a member of this place but also a licensed shooter. I support the bill,” she said on June 4.

Opposition Questions

On Sept. 10, Liberal Opposition Leader Mark Speakman asked Attorney-General Michael Daley whether the government was preparing to weaken gun laws.

Speakman pointed to his own earlier pledge not to be part of a parliament that did so.

“Given his government is set to vote for the Shooters’ bill to weaken gun laws, would he like any help in drafting his resignation?” Speakman asked.

After a point of order, Daley replied: “To be directly relevant, the answer to the question is no.”

NSW Gun Laws

Under current NSW law, a person must not possess or use a firearm without a licence or permit. All firearms must be registered, except those specifically exempt under legislation.

What’s in the Bill?

The Game and Feral Animal Legislation Amendment (Conservation Hunting) Bill 2025 was referred to a parliamentary committee in June 2025.

The bill would establish a Conservation Hunting Authority, replacing the Game and Pest Management Advisory Board.

The bill would also enshrine the right to hunt on Crown land, while also introducing a conservation hunting licence.

The bill states that the right to hunt could be exercised for cultural and recreational reasons, including managing invasive species, on private and approved public land with the landholder’s consent.

Robert Borsak, from the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MLC, said the changes recognised the significant environmental, social, and economic impact of hunting.

“It ensures that hunting is recognised and managed effectively and that hunters have a say in decision-making,” he said.