❓ A parliamentary question regarding the suspension of new firearm applications requiring written authority due to upcoming changes to the Firearms Act, and the legal basis for this suspension. The Minister's response clarifies the application process and denies seeking legal advice.
AnsweredQoN 857Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
FIREARMS — LICENSING AND REGISTRATION
857. Hon MARTIN ALDRIDGE to the minister representing the
Minister for Police:
I refer to an email sent to firearms
licence holders with the subject line ''Written Authorities and Firearm
Numerical Limits'' and more
specifically the reference, ''These changes will not take effect until
early 2025 and it is not possible to obtain a new written authority
until that time.''
(1) Can firearms
licence holders or new applicants obtain a written authority between now and
when the new provisions come into effect?
(2) If no to (1),
how does an applicant apply for a new firearm between now and the
implementation of the new Firearms Act expected in 2025 when a written
authority from a landowner or a club will be required?
(3) What
provision of the current Firearms Act is the Commissioner of Police relying
upon in effectively suspending new applications for firearms in the
circumstances in which a written authority is required?
(4) Has the
Commissioner of Police sought legal advice in relation to this matter and from
whom was that advice received?
857. Hon MARTIN ALDRIDGE to the minister representing the
Minister for Police:
I refer to an email sent to firearms
licence holders with the subject line ''Written Authorities and Firearm
Numerical Limits'' and more
specifically the reference, ''These changes will not take effect until
early 2025 and it is not possible to obtain a new written authority
until that time.''
(1) Can firearms
licence holders or new applicants obtain a written authority between now and
when the new provisions come into effect?
(2) If no to (1),
how does an applicant apply for a new firearm between now and the
implementation of the new Firearms Act expected in 2025 when a written
authority from a landowner or a club will be required?
(3) What
provision of the current Firearms Act is the Commissioner of Police relying
upon in effectively suspending new applications for firearms in the
circumstances in which a written authority is required?
(4) Has the
Commissioner of Police sought legal advice in relation to this matter and from
whom was that advice received?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
I do not have (4) in my copy of the
question, but I have an answer to (4), just to be clear.
Western Australia Police Force
provided the following advice.
(1) No.
(2) As per the
Firearms Act 1973, applicants will need to satisfy genuine need and genuine
reason, which can be supported by property letters and/or club support.
(3) Not applicable.
(4) None.
some notice of the question.
I do not have (4) in my copy of the
question, but I have an answer to (4), just to be clear.
Western Australia Police Force
provided the following advice.
(1) No.
(2) As per the
Firearms Act 1973, applicants will need to satisfy genuine need and genuine
reason, which can be supported by property letters and/or club support.
(3) Not applicable.
(4) None.
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