Mayor Rick Firman OAM chair of the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has called for the NSW government to delay the introduction of new gun licensing laws and public assembly legislation until genuine consultation on the changes could take place.

“The CMA board and our 96 members completely understand that our NSW government needs and wants to respond to the Bondi act of terrorism as swiftly as possible to ensure that not just Jewish people but people from all faiths and walks of life, feel safe,” mayor Firman said.

“There is no question that the people of NSW, in light of this evil attack on human life, are looking to our state government to address their safety concerns. However, we remain unconvinced that punching through the proposed legislation, albeit with honourable intentions, is the best way to develop and implement policy that works in the city as well as accommodating the unique situations found in our remote, rural and regional communities.

“For instance, it appears that all farmers and graziers will be required to join a gun club, yet we know that not all farmers and graziers have reasonable access to these clubs,” Cr Firman said.

“The CMA, obviously, wants to support the NSW government’s actions to make our state safer. However, the apparent rush with which this legislation appears to have been developed, the minimal consultation with key stakeholders, including our own Members and the urgency by which it will reach the floor of Parliament, is of great concern,” Cr Firman said.

The CMA has written to the Premier, the Hon Chris Minns MP and the NSW Minister for Police and Counter-Terrorism, the Hon Yasmin Catley MP respectfully but firmly requested that the government consider postponing the introduction of the legislation to parliament to allow for wider more extensive consultation to take place with the community and key stakeholders before the final legislation is taken to the vote.

The CMA chair, on behalf of the board and the premier’s Remote, Rural and Regional Advisory Council has been invited to meet with Minister Catley this afternoon to discuss the legislation and its impacts on remote, rural and regional NSW.

The CMA board and members warmly commended the Premier on his leadership throughout this extremely difficult time.