HCP - EP134 - Talking with Tom Kenyon CEO of SSAA Inc

And we’re back! It’s our first podcast since returning from Buffalo Express and it’s a cracka’ In this conversation, Tom Kenyon, CEO of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA), shares his journey from a young shooter to a political figure and now an advocate for shooting rights. The discussion covers the importance of community engagement, the impact of writing to local MPs, and the recent legislative changes in Western Australia that have affected shooting rights. Kenyon emphasizes the need for the shooting community to unite and actively participate in political processes to protect their interests. In this conversation, Tom Kenyon discusses the complexities surrounding firearm regulations, mental health implications for firearm certification, and the importance of collective action among firearm owners. He highlights the political landscape and how voter influence can shape legislation, referencing historical contexts and emerging trends in hunting culture. The role of the SSAA in advocacy and the recent changes in Queensland's membership structure are also explored, alongside discussions on insurance benefits and the organization's digital transformation efforts to enhance member engagement.   Takeaways Tom Kenyon has a long history with shooting, starting from a young age. He transitioned from politics to leading the SSAA, focusing on shooting rights. Writing to local MPs is crucial for the shooting community to express concerns. A small percentage of voters can significantly influence political outcomes. The recent changes in Western Australia have sparked community activism and membership growth. Junior shooting licenses are currently limited in Western Australia, affecting youth participation. The SSAA is actively working to address legislative changes in Western Australia. Community engagement and persistence are key to influencing political decisions. The importance of voting based on specific issues rather than party affiliation. The SSAA is mapping member locations to better engage with local governments. Regulatory changes can significantly impact firearm ownership. Mental health certification for firearm ownership faces pushback from medical professionals. Collective action among firearm owners can lead to legislative changes. Political calculations often prioritize voter retention over policy changes. Historical events shape current firearm legislation and public sentiment. Emerging hunters view hunting as a lifestyle pursuit, influencing advocacy efforts. The SSAA plays a crucial role in representing firearm owners' interests. Queensland's decision to manage its own membership may weaken national advocacy. Insurance benefits for members are essential for protecting their investments. Digital engagement is key to modernizing member communication and advocacy. Chapters 00:00Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:59Personal Experiences with Meat Processing 05:47Car Maintenance and Outdoor Preparations 09:00Fishing Adventures and Family Activities 11:57Tom Kenyon's Journey into Shooting and Politics 20:54The Importance of Advocacy in Shooting Sports 22:12The Power of Communication in Politics 24:40Voting for the Shooting Community 28:53The Role of AI in Political Communication 32:06Understanding the 3% to 5% Voting Influence 38:33Breaking Away from Party Affiliations 43:38The Western Australia Firearms Legislation Crisis 59:06Navigating Medical Accountability in Firearm Regulations 01:01:44The Impact of Community Advocacy on Firearm Legislation 01:04:40Understanding Political Calculations in Firearm Policies 01:07:27The Evolution of Hunting Culture and New Shooters 01:10:41The Role of National Organizations in Firearm Advocacy 01:16:19The Future of Membership and Organizational Structure 01:30:09Membership Options and Updates 01:31:42Exciting Changes for Members 01:33:32Insurance and Financial Considerations 01:36:59The Evolution of Firearm Accessories 01:41:05Digital Engagement and Communication 01:45:33The Future of Content Delivery