‘Face full of bullets!’: Liberal Party’s $5000-a-head shooting fundraiser

The Liberal Party is charging donors $5000 a head to enjoy a day of fine dining and shooting guns at Australia’s largest privately owned weapons and ammo supplier.

EXCLUSIVE

The Liberal Party is charging political donors $5000 a head to enjoy a day of fine dining and shooting guns at Australia’s largest privately owned supplier of weapons, ammunition and technical support to the Australian Defence Force and law enforcement.

Gun control groups have slammed the event as “outrageous” but the Liberal Party has described the lunch as simply “an exclusive opportunity” to experience world-class shooting facilities and hospitality.

“Every jurisdiction, including the Commonwealth, has agreed that the use of firearms is a privilege, not a right, and it is conditional on public safety,” Australian Gun Safety Alliance convener Stephen Bendle told news.com.au.

“It is outrageous that firearms are being used for political fundraising, for entertainment and for fun. That any member of parliament would make light of firearms for this purpose is precisely why we have to keep the pressure on Australia’s gun safety framework.”

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NIOA staff test out ‘soft armour’. Picture: YouTube

‘Let’s just see if he gets a face full of bullets!’ Picture: YouTube

In humorous videos on the company’s website providing an insight into the activities available at the headquarters, staff demonstrate the effectiveness of ‘soft armour’ to withstand bullets by shooting at a dummy called Terry Tactical.

“Yep. We’ve got Terry Tactical here. As always, armless. Let’s just see if he gets a face full of bullets!” a demonstrator explains in a video.

The Queensland-based NIOA, which is investing $130 million in domestic munitions and explosives manufacturing over the next five years, is sponsoring the event.

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz MP has confirmed to potential Liberal donors that the big day will kick off on May 4 with guests departing from the Emporium Hotel at South Bank.

“This is an exclusive opportunity for 10 people to join and experience world-class shooting facilities and wonderful hospitality for a day at NIOA’s remarkable Brisbane operation,” the flyer states.

Scott Morrison visits NIOA’s Maryborough factory in January 2021. Picture: Lukas Coch/AAP

The PM inspects concepts of the munitions factory with MP Llew O’Brien. Photo: Stuart Fast

“Sponsored by NIOA, the day will comprise of a demonstration of a variety of small arms by NIOA’s expert professionals, followed by a shoot with guests. A lunch with hospitality will follow the shooting activities and provide an opportunity for guests to experience fine dining in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

“Established in 1973, NIOA is Australia’s largest privately-owned supplier of small arms to the commercial, law enforcement and military clients. The cost of the event is $5000 per person, strictly limited to 10 people. To secure your place at this exclusive event please RSVP.”

Places are strictly limited to 10 people.

Gun control groups have slammed the event.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison visited NIOA’s state-of-the-art artillery shell forging plant in January last year.

The Federal government has provided a $28.5 million injection to the project from its Regional Growth Fund.

When fully operational, NIOA’s artillery shell forging plant in Maryborough will produce 30,000 artillery shells for the Australian Defence Force, as well as global exports to the German army.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton tours NIOA at Eagle Farm. Picture: Liam Kidston

NIOA chairman and chief executive Robert Nioa. Picture: Supplied

NIOA chief executive Robert Nioa thanked the Prime Minister for his visit in January.

“It’s a great honour to have the Prime Minister here,” Mr Nioa said.

“It not only speaks volumes for the strategic importance of the defence industry but also how vital this factory is to transitioning the local economy into new and advanced manufacturing opportunities, ensuring jobs, skills and trades stay in the Fraser Coast region.”

The contact for the Liberal fundraising event is John Brent, a former Queensland mayor previously linked to an LNP funding controversy after it emerged he received a $10,000 donation to fund his failed mayoral election campaign from an LNP fundraising arm linked to cabinet minister Stuart Robert.

Contacted by news.com.au, Mr Brent confirmed that the 2016 fundraising controversy did not involve his knowledge or consent and he referred all questions surrounding the NIOA event to Mr Bucholz’s chief of staff.