The gathering drew firearm owners, farmers, sporting shooters and community members from across the electorate, reflecting growing frustration with regulatory changes occurring simultaneously at state and federal levels.
Mr Birrell said constituents felt excluded from a process that directly affected them.
"Firearm owners in this region have not been given a genuine seat at the table at either level of government,“ Mr Birrell said.
“They have been subjected to token consultation after decisions were already made behind closed doors, first in Canberra, then in Melbourne."
He criticised the Federal Government for pursuing national reforms without adequate regional consultation, and the Victorian Government for accepting 15 of 16 recommendations from its rapid review of firearm laws, rejecting only a proposal to cap the number of firearms an individual may own.
"What we're seeing is a co-ordinated squeeze on regional communities from two directions. Farmers rely on firearms as a practical tool of their trade,“ Mr Birrell said.
“Sporting shooters, hunters, pest managers and collectors deserve straight answers."
Senator McKenzie said the Coalition's position was clear: target criminal behaviour, not responsible owners.
"To somehow blame the hundreds of thousands of law-abiding firearm owners in Victoria for a terrorist attack in Bondi absolutely misses the point," she said.
The forum also heard from Greater Shepparton City councillor Steve Threlfall, a life member of Field and Game Australia.
Mr Birrell called on both levels of government to refocus their approach.
"Enforce the law against people who break it, not against people who follow it," he said.
