❓ Dr. Walker questions the basis for stricter firearm storage requirements in the Firearms Act 2024, given the WA Police Force's lack of data on thefts from secure storage. The Minister responds that the changes are based on recommendations from the Law Reform Commission and submissions from the firearms community.
AnsweredQoN 381Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Firearms Act—Storage
381. Hon Dr Brian Walker to the minister representing
the Minister for Police:
I refer the minister
to a freedom of information decision issued on 23 May 2025, which I seek leave
to table.
(Leave granted.(See
paper 317 .)
Hon Dr Brian Walker: The decision advises that the WA Police
Force has been unable to locate any data in its systems quantifying the number
of occasions upon which firearms had been stolen from locked firearm storage
safes.
If WAPOL has no data
suggesting that there has been an increase in the number of thefts from secure
storage safes, upon what did it or the government base the decision to require
more onerous storage options as part of the Firearms
Act 2024 ?
381. Hon Dr Brian Walker to the minister representing
the Minister for Police:
I refer the minister
to a freedom of information decision issued on 23 May 2025, which I seek leave
to table.
(Leave granted.(See
paper 317 .)
Hon Dr Brian Walker: The decision advises that the WA Police
Force has been unable to locate any data in its systems quantifying the number
of occasions upon which firearms had been stolen from locked firearm storage
safes.
If WAPOL has no data
suggesting that there has been an increase in the number of thefts from secure
storage safes, upon what did it or the government base the decision to require
more onerous storage options as part of the Firearms
Act 2024 ?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member
for some notice of the question. The following answer has been provided to me
by the Minister for Police.
The decision to
increase storage requirements is based on the Law Reform Commission of Western
Australia's review of the Firearms Act 1973 .
The Law Reform Commission made the following specific recommendations related
to storage and security of firearms. Part of the answer is in tabular form, so
I seek leave to have that incorporated into Hansard .
Leave granted for
the following material to be incorporated.
Recommendation 114(3)
Requiring firearms
stored to be made inoperable by removal of bolts or fitting of trigger locks.
Recommendation
115
Where storage
is shared it is on condition of each firearm being fitted with trigger locks.
Recommendation
118(2)
That
different storage requirements be prescribed for different licence types.
Recommendation
118(4)
Stricter
storage requirements for Category D firearms should be prescribed.
Recommendation
119
Where more
than 10 firearms are stored at same premises should require additional
security measures.
Recommendation
119(2)
Additional
measures should include additional safes, or electronic or audible security.
Submissions received
during the consultation period from key firearms community and industry
representatives emphasised the need for enhanced security measures for firearm
cabinets and safes. This collaborative approach and comprehensive information
led to the development of the new storage and security provisions. The freedom
of information process considers documents already in existence or that can be
generated through basic manipulation of a system.
for some notice of the question. The following answer has been provided to me
by the Minister for Police.
The decision to
increase storage requirements is based on the Law Reform Commission of Western
Australia's review of the Firearms Act 1973 .
The Law Reform Commission made the following specific recommendations related
to storage and security of firearms. Part of the answer is in tabular form, so
I seek leave to have that incorporated into Hansard .
Leave granted for
the following material to be incorporated.
Recommendation 114(3)
Requiring firearms
stored to be made inoperable by removal of bolts or fitting of trigger locks.
Recommendation
115
Where storage
is shared it is on condition of each firearm being fitted with trigger locks.
Recommendation
118(2)
That
different storage requirements be prescribed for different licence types.
Recommendation
118(4)
Stricter
storage requirements for Category D firearms should be prescribed.
Recommendation
119
Where more
than 10 firearms are stored at same premises should require additional
security measures.
Recommendation
119(2)
Additional
measures should include additional safes, or electronic or audible security.
Submissions received
during the consultation period from key firearms community and industry
representatives emphasised the need for enhanced security measures for firearm
cabinets and safes. This collaborative approach and comprehensive information
led to the development of the new storage and security provisions. The freedom
of information process considers documents already in existence or that can be
generated through basic manipulation of a system.
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