The NSW government today agreed to support the ban on importing the controversial Adler A110 shotgun into Australia until the gun is reclassified from category A to a stricter one.
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In a statement after a cabinet meeting on Thursday, NSW Deputy Premier and Nationals leader Troy Grant said the government supports the reclassification of the lever-action weapon but had not decided into what category.
“Our position represents a strengthening of the current A classification of the Adler, but the ultimate decision is a matter for national consensus,” he said.
But in a conflicting turn of events, Premier Mike Baird was forced to clarify the claim by Mr Grant that his government supports reclassification of the controversial Adler shotgun.
Mr Baird said cabinet had not taken a position on the reclassification of the weapon.
"Our position is we are for the strongest gun laws possible; that means keeping that ban in place," he said.
Moree farmer Stewart Hughes is in favour of a tighter classification of the Adler gun, but he believes it should be classified in the more restrictive D category, rather than an A or B.
“I know the Nats are pushing for B but I don’t see why anybody really needs it,” he said. “They can still get a five-shot in category B.”
Mr Hughes said the government needs to “get on with it” and make a decision.
“I don’t think it should be used as a political football,” he said.
“The sunset clause was only for a year, which has expired so it should have been resolved by now.
“The states and territories need to learn to work together.”
Police and justice ministers are meeting in Melbourne on Friday to debate the issue.