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The Nationals have publicly backed the protest reforms, but many MPs hold concerns about the impact of some of the proposed changes on farmers, particularly the limit on gun ownership.
“At the end of the day, this is actually attacking law-abiding citizens in this state,” Nationals MP and opposition police spokesman Paul Toole told Sky.
NSW Farmers blasted the gun reforms as “unworkable” for their members, accusing the government of “misleading” farmers.
President Xavier Martin said the government had not consulted adequately with farmers, who are concerned that a cap of 10 firearms could create issues for those with several properties who may need to transport guns between them.
“It’s incredible this government has allowed generous capping exemptions for recreational shooters but for farmers who need firearms to control pests, minimise biosecurity risks and for the humane management of animals, the government hasn’t given us a second’s thought,” Martin said.
MPs in both houses of parliament could move a motion to split the bills into two or more parts to have each category of reform dealt with separately, which would require majority support.
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The Coalition is expected to come to a formal position after a joint party meeting on Monday morning, just hours before the bill is introduced. Last week, Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said the Liberals would reintroduce previously defeated reforms to make protesters pay police after three demonstrations on the same issue.
Sources not authorised to speak publicly said the party would seek to ensure the focus of debate was on measures to combat antisemitism, rather than squarely on gun reform.
The Labor Friends of Palestine released a statement on Sunday urging the government to reconsider the protest element of the bill. Members of Minns’ cabinet, including ministers Jihad Dib and Penny Sharpe, attended the Harbour Bridge pro-Palestine march earlier this year.
While the protest reforms will probably have the support of the majority of the Labor caucus, party sources not authorised to speak publicly indicated that several MPs have reservations about the crackdown.
Labor is also expected to face questions during the bill’s debate on what it will do with a nearly $8 million budget allocation for a Conservation Hunting Authority, which is yet to be created and will only exist if a controversial bill from the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party passes.
Gun reform advocates have warned that the bill would create too many freedoms for hunters, including by opening up more public land for hunting.
Despite budgeting for the authority, Minns said on Friday that the hunting bill will not pass.
“We’ve got to work out what to do with the $7.9 million,” he said.
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