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Adler Shotgun Decision A 'Christmas Present' For Minor Parties: Katter

Bob Katter says heavy restrictions on the Adler shotgun will help small parties.
Bob Katter is not happy about new restrictions on the Adler shotgun.
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Bob Katter is not happy about new restrictions on the Adler shotgun.

Federal crossbencher Bob Katter has hit out at the decision to put big restrictions on the controversial Adler shotgun, describing the move as a "Christmas present" for minor political parties.

This week's COAG meeting saw premiers and chief ministers agree to tough rules around the Adler shotgun, moving it into the most restrictive firearm category -- category D.

The proposed new rules mean the shotgun will only be available to professional shooters, with each state and territory having to pass the changes through their respective parliaments.

Speaking on Saturday, Katter said the clampdown on the gun would be resented in the bush as another example of city people restricting shooters, fishers and hunters.

"We're just having our restrictions restricted again and again and again and again until we have no freedoms at all," he told ABC television.

"Thank you, Mr ALP and LNP, because you'll never learn the lesson that the more freedoms you'll take away from us, the more that that helps we smaller parties such as Katter's Australia Party. God bless you and thank you. It's a great Christmas present to us."

The decision on the Adler shotgun has also been criticised by Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie, who has reportedly described it as "short sighted".

In the interview, Katter also hit out at the approval of the sale of the Kidman Cattle empire to Australian billionaire Gina Rinehart and Chinese interests, predicting that tick of approval would pave the way for total Chinese ownership.

The greenlight from Treasurer Scott Morrison for the sale follows a third attempt by Chinese interests to get a piece of Australia's largest private landholder.

Katter said the Turnbull government had failed Australians on the issue.

"You had a chance at delivering the biggest land-holder in Australia to 100 percent owner-operator control and you blew it away. Thirty percent of the income, which I'd say would be 100, maybe 200 million (dollars), will now be going overseas," the MP for Kennedy said.

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