New High-Powered Weapons Ban a Smokescreen for Real Problems: Industry

Farmer says gun control measures will impact conservation

Used guns sit for sale in an elaborate western display at the Burns Trading Post in Burns, Oregon, on Jan. 5, 2015. Rob Kerr/AFP via Getty Images

Moves to implement the toughest firearm controls in Australia have been met with accusations that it is nothing more than a smokescreen for weak action on high crime rates and cost of living problems.

On Feb. 14, the Western Australian (WA) Labor government announced a new ban on high-powered firearms able to fire over long distances and capable of piercing armour plating.