Firearm laws must change to protect farm workers and others, says pastoralist

A pastoralist has vowed to change firearm laws across Australia in a bid to end the reckless behaviour of some shooters that has left his workers and stock in fear for their lives. Key points: Pilbara pastoralist Michael Thompson says there are more trespassers than ever, causing thousands of dollars damage every year A University of Sydney study finds Australians are more likely to die from firearm-related incidents in rural areas than in cities In 2019, there were more than 880,000 registered firearms in NSW alone In the 26 years he has owned Mundabullangana Station, about 100 kilometres south of Port Hedland, Michael Thompson has grappled many times with trespassers using his land to hunt. "It's time to draw a line in the sand — Australian firearm laws have to change," Mr Thompson said. Hunters cost farmers dearly Mr Thompson said the cost in damages never ended: repairing fences, replacing gates, pushing cattle back through cut fences to get them off the roads, lock replacements, worker costs, and fuel. "Trespass is a major issue that we face on pastoral leases," Mr Thompson said.