When a small business is shut down —and there's no independent tribunal left to hear your appeal?

For one NSW business owner, the consequences of the firearm reforms introduced by Chris Minns and Anthony Albanese weren't theoretical. They were immediate. Thousands of dollars in confirmed bookings disappeared overnight. Staff, customers, and a growing business were left in limbo after a suspension notice brought operations to a halt. But what makes this story different is what happened next. For years, lawful firearm owners and businesses could seek an independent review of certain licensing decisions through the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). Critics argue that removing this safeguard has left affected businesses with fewer opportunities to have decisions independently assessed.