❓ A parliamentary question addresses the potential impact of the Firearms Amendment Act 2024 on the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions' Animal Control Agent (ACA) program, specifically regarding ACA numbers, firearm relinquishments, and alternative arrangements for wildlife euthanasia.
AnsweredQoN 768Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions' (DBCA) statement that the Animal Control Agent (ACA) program is at risk of being wound back due to the impact of the Firearms Amendment Act 2024, and I ask: (a) how many ACAs are currently active in Western Australia; (b) how many have relinquished their firearms licences or ceased activities since the passage of the legislation; (c) what assessment has been made of the environmental or animal welfare consequences if the ACA program is discontinued; (d) what alternative arrangements are in place to ensure humane euthanasia of injured wildlife in the absence of ACAs; (e) has the DBCA modelled the financial cost of replacing ACA functions with departmental staff or contractors; (f) has the DBCA requested any additional budget allocation to address this emerging service gap; and (g) what consultation did the Minister or the DBCA undertake with ACAs prior to the introduction of the Firearms Amendment Act 2024?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
15 October 2025
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment
Response time
5 days
(a) As at 11 September 2025, there were 78 volunteer Animal Control Agents (ACAs) registered with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).
(b) All volunteers operating in the ACA program must have a valid firearms licence. DBCA does not record the relinquishment of firearms, this is a matter for the Western Australia Police Force. The Firearms Act 2024 received Royal Assent on 27 June 2024.
(c) A decision to discontinue the ACA program has not been made.
(d) - (f) ACAs continue participating in the program provided they hold a valid Western Australian firearms licence. DBCA staff continue to respond to reports of injured wildlife and work closely with other government agencies, Crown land managers, local government and ACAs.
(g) Consultation on the Firearms Bill 2024 was a matter the Western Australia Police Force and the Minister for Police, not DBCA or the Minister for the Environment
(b) All volunteers operating in the ACA program must have a valid firearms licence. DBCA does not record the relinquishment of firearms, this is a matter for the Western Australia Police Force. The Firearms Act 2024 received Royal Assent on 27 June 2024.
(c) A decision to discontinue the ACA program has not been made.
(d) - (f) ACAs continue participating in the program provided they hold a valid Western Australian firearms licence. DBCA staff continue to respond to reports of injured wildlife and work closely with other government agencies, Crown land managers, local government and ACAs.
(g) Consultation on the Firearms Bill 2024 was a matter the Western Australia Police Force and the Minister for Police, not DBCA or the Minister for the Environment
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