Mr Grant was responding on Monday to a call from Orange MP Phil Donato. As well as reducing the age limit to hold a minors permit which allows children to use firearms under supervision Mr Donato said he would also be happy for shooting to be introduced as a school elective subject.

Mr Grant said: I started shooting when I was about eight so I understand what Phil Donato is calling on here. Its very narrow in scope, hes not just asking for open access to firearms or access to purchasing guns or ammunition for themselves, its the actual act of shooting under supervision.

Im not personally offended by it at all, I understand where hes coming from. Particularly in our area in rural and regional areas its more relevant than it would be in other parts of the state.

Firearm permits are currently available to children 12-years-old and above.

Theres no appetite more broadly across the community to support this call and theres going to be very diverse opinions on it. Its not on the governments plans to do it, its not one of our priorities, he said.

Mr Donato, from the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party, said shooting was a healthy family activity and a great way for parents to bond with their kids. "It's far better they learn how to use firearms appropriately in that sort of manner as opposed to watching movies and playing video games, he said.