No news as of June 22nd to report, I understand that people are becoming both excited and impatient as the month of June comes to a close. I have been unable to determine if a final decision has been pushed back or will still be made this month.
John C. Hanlon
To all Australian based airsoft enthusiasts,
For those of you that have chosen to participate in our forums you will know that I am not one to mince words.
MSAA or as they have decided to label themselves "Australian Airsoft" have decided to both covertly and directly attack the aims and methods of ASA on their website by specifically (and covertly) mentioning this organisation.
For MSAA staff: WAKE UP
In your personal emails to me you have explained your non acceptance of the founding principles of ASA - which I don't have a problem with, everyone is entitled to their opinion.
On your website you have covertly made several references to ASA advising people that our accepting membership fees is a scam, you have also attacked myself personally and I take humbrage at your implications.
I have been at this approaching 6 years now, if the staff of MSAA are unable to spend the 10's of thousands of dollars I have in getting this far, if the staff of MSAA are unable to pull their finger out to review and consider Federal legislation (or even understand it) their first point of call appears to be to attack both myself personally and ASA as an organisation.
If your to stupid to establish a system that is legal to import AEG's don't spread your lies and opinions (not facts) on your website.
Your latest post is beyond a joke - that my friends is the direction to a law suit - and yes I will, try it one more time to find out if you like.
I am telling all that visit this website that airsoft skirmishes will be participated in by anyone that wishes to attend (excluding MSAA staff, permanent ban I'm afraid, I've had enough of your crap), using AEG replicas very shortly after any changes to legislation come into effect.
For both MSAA staff and airsoft enthusiasts within Australia you may like to peruse the following threads on our forums.
http://airsoftaustralia.com/discussion/index.php?topic=129.0
http://airsoftaustralia.com/discussion/index.php?topic=161.msg3215;topicseen#msg3215
http://airsoftaustralia.com/discussion/index.php?topic=189.0
I do sincerly appologise for bringing "politics" of the Australian Airsoft scene to the forefront at a time that Airsoft in Australia is least able to afford such a separation, however I will not tollerate other parties, in their ignorance, advising such rediculous and infactual information, particularly when it involves both myself personally and my organisation in particular.
John C. Hanlon
There seems to be a common misconception that I would like to clear up.
Just prior to my bout of illness around 12 months ago ASA was negotiating to begin a trial programe for the use of airsoft replicas for its members.
At that time being a member of ASA would have been the only way for a person to participate in airsoft skirmishes.
During my absence the ball has continued rolling (as I expected it would), and the ground work I put in place enabled us to get where we are today.
What I am saying here is that once airsoft is legalised for use and possible ownership, you will not be required to be an ASA member to participate in airsoft skirmishes.
However:
To the best of my knowledge ASA is the only group that will have these replicas available for use (and purchase is legal) once these laws have passed. Further we will be the only group prepared and established with fields ready for airsoft skirmishes. While you will need to become an ASA member to purchase replicas (legislation permitting), however you will not need to be a member to skirmish.
With the growth of ASA and the recognition we have been receiving both within the Australian Government and abroad, some "fringe" groups have developed. One such group (which I wont give the honour of naming), is even taking credit for and claiming that they are infact the organisation that has been the driving force behind getting airsoft where it is today, and apparaently they are the ones that forwarded proposals for Legislative and Regulatory changes to the various State and Territory Governments.
EDIT: Just two hours after I made this post the offending website has been removed.
I would like to make it clear to all airsoft enthusiasts that whilst ASA may not have maintained a full time web presence over the last 5 years, we have been the only organisation during this time fighting for your right to play airsoft. (and indeed the only organisation to have our proposals accepted and decided upon by Weapons Licencing Branches; the APMC; the Legislative Development Unit of the Queensland Police; and to have those proposals ready to be decided by cabinet)
Hello all,
If you have found this site you are likely one of the many supporters of ASA or have recently become interested in playing Airsoft.
I have been absent from the Airsoft scene for some 12 months now due to a battle with cancer. I am happy to say that although I am now somewhat lighter than I once was I am in the clear.
Background work continued on ASA during my absence and I will be working to provide this information in short order.
My Disappointment
During my recovery the registration of the primary domain of ASA lapsed. A third party has chosen to register this domain. I am hoping that this person has acted in good faith and is not trying to capitalise on the last 5 years of hard work by myself and several other key people in pushing for legislative changes for airsoft in Australia. If this is indeed the case please contact me and we will discuss the future of the domain.
I will be attempting contact with the current registrant of airsoftaustralia.com.au - failing contact I will be requesting the AUDA to deregister the website. Until the primary domain has been "returned" all ASA activities (including Governmental) have ceased. I will not see 5 years of my life being profited on by third parties.
John C. Hanlon