❓ Hon Rick Mazza asks about flaws in the Firearms Act 1973 that might hinder police seizure of firearms from licensed owners who have committed an offence. The Attorney General responds that a review is underway and police have existing seizure powers.
AnsweredQoN 513Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
FIREARMS
ACT 1973 — FIREARMS SEIZURES
513. Hon RICK MAZZA to the
Attorney General representing the Minister for Police:
I refer to the Firearms Act 1973 and ask the minister to
please advise if any flaws have been identified in the legislation that would
limit or prevent police from seizing firearms held by licensed firearm owners
who have been found to have committed an offence?
ACT 1973 — FIREARMS SEIZURES
513. Hon RICK MAZZA to the
Attorney General representing the Minister for Police:
I refer to the Firearms Act 1973 and ask the minister to
please advise if any flaws have been identified in the legislation that would
limit or prevent police from seizing firearms held by licensed firearm owners
who have been found to have committed an offence?
AnswerView source ↗
On behalf of the Minister for Police, I thank the honourable
member for some notice of the question.
The Law Reform Commission of Western Australia is currently
conducting a review of the Firearms Act 1973. At this stage WA Police is
unaware of any findings. Once the review is completed, it is expected that WA Police
will be afforded the opportunity to respond. Western Australian police have the
power to seize firearms from licensed firearm owners who have been charged with
offences. Police have powers to stop, search and detain persons who are
reasonably suspected of having a firearm or ammunition in their possession
without a lawful excuse. Section 24 of the Firearms Act provides general powers
of seizure with or without a warrant, and regulation 22A of the Firearms
Regulations 1974 provides powers of entry without a warrant and places
requirements on police for firearms so seized.
member for some notice of the question.
The Law Reform Commission of Western Australia is currently
conducting a review of the Firearms Act 1973. At this stage WA Police is
unaware of any findings. Once the review is completed, it is expected that WA Police
will be afforded the opportunity to respond. Western Australian police have the
power to seize firearms from licensed firearm owners who have been charged with
offences. Police have powers to stop, search and detain persons who are
reasonably suspected of having a firearm or ammunition in their possession
without a lawful excuse. Section 24 of the Firearms Act provides general powers
of seizure with or without a warrant, and regulation 22A of the Firearms
Regulations 1974 provides powers of entry without a warrant and places
requirements on police for firearms so seized.
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