Hon Wilson Tucker questions the Minister for Police regarding WA Police denying firearm license applications based on proposed legislation not yet enacted. The Minister acknowledges the change in police procedure to align with the Firearms Bill 2024, prioritizing public safety.

AnsweredQoN 667Legislative Council
Asked
11 June 2024
Portfolio
Police

QuestionView source ↗

POLICE —
FIREARMS LICENCES —
APPLICATIONS
667. Hon WILSON TUCKER to the minister representing the
Minister for Police:
I refer to a letter received by a firearm
licence applicant—I am aware that other people have received a similar
letter—denying the application based on proposed legislation and
provisions that are yet to be passed into law.
(1) Is the
minister aware that the Western Australia Police Force is issuing such advice
to current firearm licence applicants?
(2) Does the
minister consider it appropriate for WA police to base decisions on legislation
that has not yet been enacted?
(3) How does the
minister address concerns regarding WA police exercising powers it does not
have under current law?
(4) What steps will the minister
take to address these concerns?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question. The following response is provided on behalf of
the minister representing the Minister for Police.
(1)–(4) The
Western Australia Police Force has endorsed a change to its firearms licensing
procedures, adopting a new policy position to better align with the Firearms
Bill 2024, prioritising public safety as part of the application process.

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