Clive Pugh Elected as SIFA Chair

At the recent SIFA General Meeting held on 14 February 2025, Clive Pugh, Managing Director of Winchester Australia, was elected as the new Chair of the Shooting Industry Foundation of Australia (SIFA). He succeeds Luca Scribani Rossi, who is stepping down as Chair after years of dedicated service to the organisation.

Speaking on his election, Mr Pugh highlighted SIFA’s crucial role in promoting and protecting Australia’s shooting sports and industry.

“Being Chair of SIFA is a continuation for me to help promote and protect the sport of shooting in Australia. SIFA is actively building its base to be the voice of the industry and to ensure it can continue to transact in the lawful trade of firearms and ammunition products.” Mr Pugh said.

He also emphasised SIFA’s commitment to supporting industry stakeholders through ongoing engagement with regulatory agencies and policymakers.

“Our role is to help industry learn and stay up to date with the changing regulatory environment and to ensure the regulatory agencies focus on lawful trading and building trust with our industry.

“At a political level, we will continue to advocate for our industry with Federal, State, and Local politicians to help them understand the important role we play in protecting communities through our work with defence and law enforcement, while also demonstrating that we have a legitimate and active sport of recreational shooting.”

Mr Pugh also acknowledged the opportunities ahead for SIFA and the broader industry.

“The major opportunity for our industry is to develop the skills and knowledge of those who work within it. SIFA has a key role to continue advocating on behalf of the industry at wholesale and retail levels with politicians and regulators, including the Australian Border Force, Police, Transport, and Local Government. Governments rely on SIFA members to support their law enforcement agencies, and SIFA remains proud of its efforts in this space.”

Recognising the Contribution of Luca Scribani Rossi

In acknowledging his predecessor’s contributions, Mr Pugh paid tribute to Luca Scribani Rossi’s instrumental role in establishing and leading SIFA.

“Luca was instrumental in establishing SIFA in November 2014 following years of pre-work and discussion. Without his passion and advocacy, SIFA would not exist in its current form. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for the incredible work Luca has done as Chair of SIFA and as one of its founders. Luca will not be lost to the industry, and we will continue to seek his advice.”

SIFA CEO James Walsh also expressed his gratitude for Luca’s leadership and dedication over the years.

“Luca has been a driving force behind SIFA since its inception, and his leadership has been invaluable in shaping the organisation into what it is today. The entire SIFA team sincerely thanks him for his service and commitment to the industry. We look forward to working with Clive and continuing to strengthen SIFA’s advocacy and support for the firearms industry.”

Mr Scribani Rossi has been a stalwart of the Australian shooting industry, playing a significant leadership role across multiple industry associations. His experience and influence have helped shape SIFA into the respected organisation it is today.

SIFA looks forward to continuing its work under the leadership of Clive Pugh, ensuring the industry remains strong, and well-represented at all levels of government and regulation.