❓ Question regarding the criteria for firearm license suitability under proposed reforms, specifically concerning the role of personal views and opinions. The response clarifies that no specific list exists and that a comprehensive, objective assessment is required.
AnsweredQoN 1833Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the proposed firearm reforms and the power for police to determine the suitability of a person for a firearms licence based on
the “views and opinions” of that person, and I ask: (a) will the Minister provide a list of defined
“views and opinions” that police will use to determine a person’s suitability
for a firearms license; (b) if no to (1), will the police commissioner of
the day subjectively decide what views or opinions make a person unsuitable for
a firearms license; and (c) if
a person believes the Cook Labor Government is authoritarian, lacking in
transparency and driven by Fabian socialist ideology, would that be a view
and opinion that would make them unsuitable for a firearms license?
the “views and opinions” of that person, and I ask: (a) will the Minister provide a list of defined
“views and opinions” that police will use to determine a person’s suitability
for a firearms license; (b) if no to (1), will the police commissioner of
the day subjectively decide what views or opinions make a person unsuitable for
a firearms license; and (c) if
a person believes the Cook Labor Government is authoritarian, lacking in
transparency and driven by Fabian socialist ideology, would that be a view
and opinion that would make them unsuitable for a firearms license?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
27 February 2024
Responded by
Minister for Emergency Services representing the Minister for Police
Response time
2 days
The Western Australia Police Force advise:
a. No.
b. No. The Commissioner will objectively form an opinion as to whether a person is fit and proper in respect to any of the following —
- the person’s conduct and behaviour;
- the person’s physical and mental health;
- the person’s views, opinions and attitudes;
- the person’s way of living or domestic circumstances;
- whether the person is of good repute, having regard to the person’s character, honesty and integrity.
Reference: S ection 150 Firearms Bill 2024
C. The three “views and opinions” indicated would not be sufficient alone to determine a person’s suitability for a firearms’ licence application. A comprehensive assessment would be required to be undertaken by the Commissioner of Police to objectively consider all known facts in regard to any licence holder or applicant, to determine their suitability within the over-riding principle of public safety.
a. No.
b. No. The Commissioner will objectively form an opinion as to whether a person is fit and proper in respect to any of the following —
- the person’s conduct and behaviour;
- the person’s physical and mental health;
- the person’s views, opinions and attitudes;
- the person’s way of living or domestic circumstances;
- whether the person is of good repute, having regard to the person’s character, honesty and integrity.
Reference: S ection 150 Firearms Bill 2024
C. The three “views and opinions” indicated would not be sufficient alone to determine a person’s suitability for a firearms’ licence application. A comprehensive assessment would be required to be undertaken by the Commissioner of Police to objectively consider all known facts in regard to any licence holder or applicant, to determine their suitability within the over-riding principle of public safety.
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