HOW many Tasmanians are aware of the increase in the number of shooters who want Adler lever-action guns?

The weapons are not listed in the C Category with semiautomatic weapons, yet they can fire eight rounds before being reloaded and can be modified to take 11 rounds.

If a fanatic or mentally or emotionally unstable person obtains an Adler gun, the result could be catastrophic.

If recent terrorists had used an Adler, more innocents could have died. What is the risk to police if criminals get these weapons or if they are used in an armed holdup or to kill children?

Gun registrations are up by 15 per cent, with more women involved in shooting, but most women want strict controls so there are no future tragedies.

Why would anyone want an Adler gun. A skilled shooter would surely prefer an accurate shot with the least number of bullets.

It seems duck shooters are lining up to buy Adlers. Should anyone be allowed to shoot these beautiful native birds, several species of which are endangered? There are far better ways of achieving an adrenalin surge. To want an Adler indicates a lack of skill and maturity. Should such shooters have a gun?

The best thing the Howard Coalition government did was rid Australia of unnecessary guns. This has resulted in low levels of gun violence. However, gun numbers are now similar to those prevailing in 1996 so a fresh tragedy is more likely.

It therefore seems sensible to ask our governments to amend the gun laws at the state and national level in order to place the Adler in Category C and increase safety regulations on weapons storage to prevent theft.

Should we ask this be part of the promises made in this Federal Election campaign?

There was little action to meet the basic needs of most Australian women and children in the recent Federal Budget. Women make up over half the population, but their needs were largely ignored.

Over a quarter of Aussie women and their children have experienced family violence. Although some action is happening at the state level, an amendment to legislation to control firearm violence would also help.

Besides a lack of legislation to control the increasing number of firearms in our communities, we now have a massive budget for new war weapons. For what? To support armaments manufacturers and the American war machine? Will this make our nation safe? Of course not. It will push Australia into wars. There are wiser ways to prevent wars.

Voters need to elect politicians who will ensure the basic necessities for most citizens instead of funding non-essential and wasteful projects, non-essential groups and bureaucrats.

If federal politicians do not respond appropriately, state legislators might consider the cost to the community if there is insufficient control on firearms to prevent another gun-related tragedy.

Prevention calls for a limit on guns in private homes, including the Adler, and adequate policing of storage.

Most men and women do not want Australia preparing for future war. They want friendship with neighbours and, to live according to “Do as you would be done by”.

They want a safe home and community, with sufficient support while children are little so they do not need to juggle work and childcare. They want to raise families in comfort, security and equality, with good health, education and sustainable jobs, without fear of gun-related, or other, violence on our island.

Linley Grant is state president of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. She has received many awards, including an Order of Australia Medal for community service.

For 24/7 crisis support, contact Lifeline on 131 114 or go to www.lifeline.org.au; the SANE helpline is 1800 187 263 or see www.sane.org; and the Beyondblue helpline is 1300 224 636 or go to www.beyondblue.org.au