No Recreational Hunting in WA vs. SSAA (WA) Inc

November 01, 2017

In 2014 the WA Government held a public enquiry into recreational hunting in WA. This inquiry had over 400 submissions and led to several campaigns being instituted against our pastime. In defense of our sport we hit back with our own campaign in The West Australian and Sunday Times newspapers, running our own series of full page ads “They’re not trophies, they’re pests!”

Around this time several anti-hunting, anti-firearms activist groups were formed. One particular group calling itself “No Recreational Hunting in WA” was extremely antagonistic and vocal in its opposition, eventually going too far in its campaign on social media.

After our inaugural Shot Expo a series of posts were published on the “No Recreational Hunting in WA” webpage on Facebook. These posts included images and handouts from the Expo which were captioned with false messages about our association, our State President and our sport.

Photos from State President Mr Bryant’s personal Facebook page were also obtained and captioned with more malicious, defamatory messages.

These images were shared online by members of the NRHWA Facebook group, many anti-hunting and firearms groups, and on their own personal pages. 

Finally enough was enough and, with the full and unwavering support of our membership, SSAA WA launched defamation proceedings in the WA Supreme Court against the administrators of this group.

That Court action has finally been concluded on agreed terms. All we can say is that it was settled on terms acceptable to all parties; we are happy with the result and the following     apology to the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (WA) Inc and Mr Ron Bryant was issued.

It’s fair to say we will not idly stand by and allow disparagement to occur without consequence. We believe this outcome has sent a strong message to those people that would defame an honest and legal Organisation and its State President in an attempt to denigrate a pastime enjoyed by many.                      

Michelle Bryant SSAA (WA) PR & Media Officer