During the past few weeks, I have been in discussions with a reputable minor party in Western Australia who wanted to endorse me to run against Police Minister Paul Papalia in Secret Harbour.
I sought and secured the support of other minor parties who pledged their allegiance, despite the fact I would be running under another party’s banner.
The endorsement and support came because they recognise and respect my years of advocacy for shooters, not just in WA, but around the country. Indeed, I worked for SSAA National for five years as the media professional and lobbyist, before moving to Sydney to work for Senator David Leyonhjelm, the most supportive politician of shooters Australia has ever had.
I left Perth in March last year to join the fight for firearm owners in the trenches in Queensland ahead of the State Election and have been on the long road back to WA since then, after being made homeless and unemployed following one of the ugliest displays of political knifings I have ever experienced.
While my campaign against Police Minister Paul Papalia would generate a lot of attention and votes, the reality is I am not in a position to take on the risk of running in such a high-profile seat, putting myself and my family at risk, without the unwavering support of my own community.
It has become devastatingly clear to me that there are men in certain shooting organisations who will deliberately disrupt and not support my campaign, despite the fact I represent everything they should (and claim to) be.
I have been subjected to more attacks, disrespect and underhandedness from certain shooting organisations than I ever have from the Labor Party and anti-gun community. It is a toxic culture with no regards for how such disunity affects the everyday shooter.
My father always said the biggest enemy of shooters is shooters themselves. Despite all my efforts and years of dedication to the cause, it is devastating clear to me that this is the sad reality of the shooting community in Australia.
I will remain a proud advocate for all Australian shooters and will do everything I can in my own capacity to influence the State Election so it will result in the changes required to abolish Papalia’s authoritarian firearm laws.
Yours in liberty,
Kate Fantinel – Lady Liberty