❓ Mr Hunter questions the impact of the Firearms Amendment Act 2024 on volunteer Animal Control Agents (ACAs) and their ability to perform animal euthanasia and pest control. The Minister's response indicates existing provisions and guidance, but declines further action pending a committee inquiry.
AnsweredQoN 769Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the implementation of the Firearms Amendment Act 2024 and the exclusion of volunteers and non-commercial agents, such as Animal Control Agents (ACAs), from licensing categories necessary to carry out animal euthanasia and pest control duties, and I ask: (a) what provisions exist within the current licensing framework to accommodate these types of roles; (b) has WA Police issued any guidance to volunteer ACAs or regional local governments regarding their legal obligations and options under the new framework; (c) will the Minister consider introducing a specific licence category or exemption to ensure the continuity of animal welfare and biosecurity functions in regional WA; (d) what is the total number of firearm licences cancelled, not renewed or denied for ACAs or similar non-commercial users since 1 July 2024; (e) does the Minister acknowledge the risk of delayed animal welfare response and unmanaged pest outbreaks as an unintended consequence of the Act; and (f) will the Minister commit to a review of the legislation's impact on environmental and agricultural operations in rural and remote areas?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
14 October 2025
Responded by
Minister for Police
Response time
4 days
(a) Agents and contractors are eligible to become authorised persons under the Firearms Act 2024 .
(b) Yes.
(c-f) No ACA’s or similar non-commercial users have had their firearm licences cancelled, not renewed or denied. The government will consider the outcomes of the Standing Committee on Legislation inquiry into the Firearms Act 2024 .
(b) Yes.
(c-f) No ACA’s or similar non-commercial users have had their firearm licences cancelled, not renewed or denied. The government will consider the outcomes of the Standing Committee on Legislation inquiry into the Firearms Act 2024 .
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