The first nationwide study of the benefits of recreational shooting to Australia has been announced by the Minister for Sport, Senator Bridget McKenzie.
Senator McKenzie said it was time the national Government understood the impact of the sport on the back of two State-based reports.
“There’s never been a comprehensive look at just what recreational shooting as a sport and pastime contributes to our country,” Senator McKenzie said.
“It’s time to analyse recreational shooting’s economic impact on a national scale,” she said.
“We want to really get under the hood of this sporting industry and understand what makes it tick, and just what it is contributing every day in dollar terms to our regional economies.”
She said there would also be a social aspect to the study.
“As a keen sporting shooter myself I know the anecdotal benefits of shooting as a sport and the social benefits of recreational shooting are particularly important to regional people,” Senator McKenzie said.
“Gun clubs are just as much a part of the social scene as other sports clubs, Lions Clubs and community groups.”
She said independent agriculture and environmental consultancy group, RMCG would conduct the research and report in June 2019.
It is estimated that approximately 300,000 people are engaged in registered sport shooting across nearly 1,200 clubs.
Senator McKenzie said shooting was also Australia’s seventh most successful sport at the Olympics after swimming, athletics, cycling, rowing, sailing and equestrian.
