Meet the team

Director: President
Michael Wild

Since 2018 Michael has provided strong direction to Firearm Owners United Limited as President. Previously holding the position of Vice President since it was founded in 2015. Proudly the last founding member remaining on the board of directors.

Michael has a deep understanding of the legislative environment that governs, limits and supports firearm use and ownership in Australia. He has extensive experience in sport shooting, hunting and other firearm related recreational pursuits. He is actively engaged in firearms instruction for defence, law enforcement and privately coaches and mentors firearm owners. He is passionate about the promotion of consistent, logical and sound policy making that enhances the safe use of firearms in Australia.

Michael is passionate about advocating and lobbying for sound decision making from politicians, and lawmakers, that enhance, promote and expand on the recreational choices available to Firearm owners.

“I want to continue to represent and advocate for the good people of Australia who want to responsibly, professionally and respectfully become licensed, access firearms, and contribute to the firearms economy in Australia.”

Michael ran the organisation into the ground, which for him isn’t very far away.

 

Director: Director Without Portfolio
Shane Bennett

My name is Shane Bennett and I am the FOU ACT Primary Representative and Secretary. I have been a shooter for a little over 7 years with a strong interest in hunting, but I’ll often spend a
Sunday morning at the SSAA Majura range socialising and plinking.

I joined Firearm Owners United not long after it was formed and became the ACT Representative as I saw a need for political activism in defence of Australian lawful firearm owners and the shooting sports, particularly in Canberra due to the strong anti-gun presence in the region.

Since joining FOU, I have had a number of articles and comments published in the Canberra Times, written many letters to various Ministers, both local and Federal, met with Ministers, and many other activities related to advancing the interests of Australian lawful firearm owners.

Director: Vice-President 
R. B

R is an ex-Army Fitter Armament, and continues to work in the defence private sector as an armourer. In addition to being an FOU director, he is also a director of a small projectile making company and an engineering company; and enjoys most forms of shooting.
He is another big fan of policy reform and, and has been a key resource as our expert witness in the ongoing WT15 classification case currently before QCAT.
R would like to see greater access to Cat C/D, and a reduction in licensing’s bureaucratic nonsense.

Director: Secretary
Luke Smith

Luke joined FOU in late 2017 as a team member, attending Expo’s in Melbourne with our president. Shortly after attending Expo’s he took over processing of merchandise orders and getting that gear out to our fans. In 2019 he was nominated for and elected to the Board of Directors.
Luke grew up hunting in regional Victoria with his father & grandfather and remains a passionate hunter to this day, whilst also starting to dip his toes into the world of PRS. He enjoys spending his free time at eagle park range in Little River or reloading at home. Luke would like to see the NFA revoked

 

 

Director Without Portfolio
Christopher Shipp

Chris operates a vertebrate pest control company in his spare time and enjoys the occasional clay shoot and target shoot to relax.
Chris has written several licencing guides and aims to help people obtain their desired licence category in NSW.
He is a big fan of policy reform and, like most of the organisation, is in regular correspondence with many regarding issues as they arise.
Chris would like to see a more streamlined licencing process that does away with categories and continues to make headway in gaining FOU a “genuine reason” status in NSW.

 

Director: Treasurer
Daniel Kuhl

Daniel has been part of the FOU team since 2020, and was elected as a board member later that year. He’s been shooting and hunting for over 10 years, participating in hunts across Australia. Professionally, Daniel worked at one of Australia’s largest gun shops for a number of years before moving onto being a firearm instructor. Daniel is responsible for most of our letter campaigns and champions the need for community engagement with representatives.