❓ A WA parliamentary question addresses concerns about the impact of the Firearms Amendment Act 2024 on biosecurity, specifically pest management by local governments and landholders. The Minister's response indicates no formal concerns received and defers legislative questions to the Minister for Police.
AnsweredQoN 766Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to reports that local governments and landholders are experiencing challenges managing biosecurity threats such as wild dogs, feral camels and other declared pests due to limitations in firearms licensing arising from the Firearms Amendment Act 2024, and I ask: (a) has the Minister received any formal correspondence from local governments or regional biosecurity groups outlining concerns about this issue; (b) what consultation, if any, did the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development undertake with stakeholders regarding the impact of firearms law changes on biosecurity operations; (c) is the Minister aware of any reductions in declared pest management activities as a direct result of the legislation; and (d) will the Minister support the creation of a dedicated licensing pathway for biosecurity contractors and land managers undertaking pest animal control?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
14 October 2025
Responded by
Minister representing the Minister for Agriculture and Food
Response time
4 days
(a) No.
(b) Consultation regarding the introduction of the Firearms Amendment Act 2024 was led by Western Australia Police (WAPOL). The Primary Producers Firearms Advisory Board was established in April 2023 and chaired by the Minister for Police specifically to provide advice on this matter. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has also facilitated discussions between WAPOL and Recognised Biosecurity Groups on the regulation of firearms.
(c) No.
(d) DPIRD continues to work with WAPOL to meet requirements under the new firearms legislation. Questions regarding legislative or licencing changes should be directed to the Minister for Police.
(b) Consultation regarding the introduction of the Firearms Amendment Act 2024 was led by Western Australia Police (WAPOL). The Primary Producers Firearms Advisory Board was established in April 2023 and chaired by the Minister for Police specifically to provide advice on this matter. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has also facilitated discussions between WAPOL and Recognised Biosecurity Groups on the regulation of firearms.
(c) No.
(d) DPIRD continues to work with WAPOL to meet requirements under the new firearms legislation. Questions regarding legislative or licencing changes should be directed to the Minister for Police.
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