On the range, on the road, and honouring a true Australian hero

Posted by on December 10, 2025

As we approach the end of the parliamentary year, the pace in the Legislative Council has been relentless, but amongst that, I’ve had the chance to spend more time out in the community, listening, learning, and connecting with people who care deeply about the future of our state.

Last week my team and I spent an afternoon at the Jarrahdale Sporting Shooters range with club secretary and range safety officer, Jasmine. Thirty-three shooters were on the line completing their qualifying pistol shoots, and we joined them for a few attempts of our own with club .22 Berettas.

Jasmine and her husband Phil spoke with me at length about issues around the uncertainty of range safety approvals, which has been a common story across the state. Many shared their frustration with the current legislation and the deep concerns they have about the entirely arbitrary powers the government has granted itself.

What stood out to me at the visit was the combination of friendliness, discipline, and passion. Members take safety seriously, and many took the time to share their ongoing concerns about the current firearms legislation and the uncertainty constant changes to the rules has had on their sport and the firearms community.

I especially enjoyed chatting to Jasmine and hearing her thoughts on the role of women in shooting sports, which I thought were important to record and share. Although the sport remains male-dominated, her commitment to growing women’s participation is inspiring, and Jasmine was keen to share how safe she has felt in the sport and thrived alongside the men who have welcomed her in.

I was also honoured to be made Patron of the Perth Field Rifle Club. It’s a privilege to support a club with such a strong history, dedicated members, and a clear commitment to responsible, community-minded shooting. I look forward to working closely with them in the year ahead.

Honouring Legacy

Last month two important occasions have prompted me to reflect on the qualities that define strength and character. For Remembrance Day, I had the honour of presenting a portrait of my “Uncle” John “Jack” Renault to the Karratha & Districts RSL, where he was a life member and now commemorated on their memorial wall. Uncle Jack was a WWII Pacific War veteran who served in the liberation of the Philippines, a dear family friend, and someone who shaped my early life in ways I’ll always be grateful for. He taught me practical skills, offered guidance when I needed it, and believed in me long before I entered public life.

Then just over a week later, International Men’s Day offered another opportunity to reflect on the virtues that men like Uncle Jack embodied: integrity, steadiness, humility, and service to others (with a whole lot of dogged determination and mental toughness so prevalent in those of his generation). Those who knew Jack had the pleasure of knowing what a true gentleman looks like. It was only natural to honour him and the legacy that good men leave for those around them as I reflected on International Men’s Day the same month.