2025 Is Nearly Over — But the Fight Is Not

An End-of-Year Address to Members
Lucas Cooke, CEO – Field & Game Australia
24 December 2025

As we approach the end of 2025, this address is not the one I expected to be writing.

Just over a week ago, Australia was shaken by the tragic events at Bondi. What should have been a period of reflection and gratitude has instead become a time of grief, anger, and political upheaval. Had I written this address ten days earlier, its tone would have been very different.

Like many of you, I am exhausted. And I know I am not alone in that.

Before going any further, I want to be clear about one thing.

Field & Game Australia condemns all acts of hate and violence, without qualification, and extends its sincere sympathy to all victims and families affected by such crimes.

The attack at Bondi was a hate-motivated act of terrorism. The individuals involved were already known to authorities and were, under existing law, prohibited — or should have been prohibited — from accessing firearms.

The legislative tools required to prevent that attack already existed.

The failure was not a failure of law.
It was a failure of enforcement, intelligence sharing, and risk assessment.

A dangerous precedent

There is a broader issue here that should concern Australians well beyond the firearms community.

Law-abiding firearm owners are a small minority in this country. In recent weeks, that minority has been treated as politically expendable — conveniently conflated with criminal and extremist behaviour when it suits a policy narrative. That is not because the evidence supports it, but because minority groups with little electoral weight are easier to target in moments of political pressure.

Both the Minns Government in New South Wales and the Albanese Federal Government have been willing participants in this approach — allowing lawful, compliant citizens to be rhetorically blurred with terrorists and criminals in order to demonstrate “action”.

That is not principled leadership.
It is opportunistic policymaking.

Australians should be wary of any government that finds it acceptable to vilify a lawful minority at will, rather than confront failures within its own systems. Precedents set this way rarely remain confined to one group.

In NSW, rather than confronting the hard truths around enforcement and intelligence failures, both major parties chose a rapid legislative response that focused on law-abiding firearm owners — a small, compliant minority — because doing so was politically easy.

It is important to acknowledge that not everyone failed this test.

The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party stood firm.
The Nationals showed leadership.
Several independents acted with conviction.
And in the lower house, one Liberal MP was principled enough to break ranks with her party - voting according to her conscience.

There were good people involved in this debate — but they were outnumbered.

The broader reality is unavoidable: the NSW Labor and Liberal parties prioritised political cover over public safety.

The changes rushed through will not prevent terrorism.
They will not put more police on the streets.
They will not reduce violence.
They will not correct failures in risk assessment or decision-making where individuals are already known to authorities.
They will not reduce the flow of illegal firearms to criminals.

What they will do is impose enormous cost, punish compliant citizens, and divert scarce police and intelligence resources away from the individuals who pose a real risk.

That is not sound policy. It is symbolic politics.

NSW is not the whole country

Importantly, NSW is not Australia.

Other states and territories have taken a more measured approach in the face of intense pressure to act quickly.

Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory have so far resisted knee-jerk responses and have kept space open for evidence-based discussion. That restraint matters.

In Victoria, the Allan Government has taken some constructive steps over the past 12 months to recognise legitimate, responsible hunting activities. They have also now appointed Mr Ken Lay AO APM to conduct a review of firearm laws. That review provides an opportunity to consider firearms regulation on its own merits, rather than as part of a broader response to terrorism or hate crimes.

This distinction is critical.

Australians overwhelmingly support strong action against terrorism, violent extremism, and organised crime — and so do we. But conflating those issues with lawful firearm ownership weakens both debates and risks poor outcomes in each.

Firearms policy should be based on evidence, enforcement capability, and risk — not fear or political expediency.

What you can do now

I don’t want to turn this into a membership drive — but if you’re not already a member, join an organisation or club. It doesn’t have to be Field & Game Australia, but it does need to be something.

We are broadly aligned, we are fighting for the same outcomes, and our strength comes from being able to credibly represent the full breadth of lawful firearm owners.
Join FGA

In the coming days and weeks, Field & Game Australia will continue to provide detailed information, analysis, and opportunities for members to engage.

Petitions and surveys are one part of that effort. While no single petition will determine the outcome, numbers matter. In several jurisdictions, reaching threshold numbers requires Parliament to debate the issue, placing arguments on the public record and giving supportive MPs the opportunity to speak.

Because firearm laws are made at the state level, these campaigns must be run state by state. We know that is frustrating, but it is essential.

Links to current petitions and surveys are included with this article, and we encourage members to engage calmly, respectfully, and constructively. We will continue to share further opportunities as they arise, including at the federal level.
Vic parliamentary Petitions:
1- Reject changes to firearms legislation without proper consultation

2. Petition Stop further changes to gun laws

As other actions open – we will share them with you.

The fight did not end in NSW. It continues nationally.
If you care about your way of life – stay active.

History shows that when good people step back, others step forward — and rarely in the public interest.

Looking forward — and giving thanks

Despite the events of the past ten days, it is important to say this clearly:

2025 was a strong year for Field & Game Australia.

Our volunteers worked tirelessly across the country.
Our branches showed resilience, with many growing in strength and numbers.
Our conservation programs continued to deliver real, measurable outcomes.
And our community continued to grow, both in Australia and internationally.

The challenges we now face do not diminish that work — they underline why organisations like ours are more important than ever.

If you care about this way of life, be a member of something. Field & Game Australia, SSAA, ADA, local clubs, conservation and outdoor organisations. Volunteer, contribute, and stay engaged. Because when good people disengage, decisions are made without them.

A pause — then back to work

For now, it is Christmas.

Take the time to hold those dear to you close. Be thankful for what we still have, and allow yourself to rest.

2026 will bring important debates and several elections. It will matter that people remember who approached these issues with care and principle — and who did not.

We are still the lucky country.
We just have work to do to keep it that way.

On behalf of the Field & Game Australia Board and staff, thank you to our members for your continued support, engagement, and resilience.

Have a safe, restful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Lucas Cooke
Chief Executive Officer
Field & Game Australia