Firearms Amendment Bill 2008 - What do YOU think?
The Shooters Party has presented this Bill to the Legislative Council with various amendments pertaining to gun control, access, licensing, ownership and other requirements. I will briefly summarise what the Bill proposes, and then ask readers to let me know if you think this Bill should be supported by the CDP.
1. The first change is to allow “Theatrical armourers” to operate under fewer restrictions than they now do. Theatrical armourers are the providers of all the various types of guns and cannons used in theatre and film productions. They currently are defined as users of guns and must meet the same conditions as ordinary gun users, which can be onerous when dealing with dozens or hundreds of pieces for a play or film. Under this Bill the armourers would be exempt from many requirements by being redefined as a subcategory of firearms dealer.
2. A second change is to continue a previous exemption for licensing, possessing or registering any firearm manufactured before the year 1900 if it does not take breech-loaded metallic cartridges, or if ammunition is not commercially available for it any longer. This category covers antiques, and the exemption does not allow them to be fired.
3. A third proposed change is to enable unlicensed people to shoot on approved shooting ranges when under supervision. This pertains also to people being trained as part of an approved firearms safety course. This makes it easier for such people to experience target shooting without a licence or permit, if they sign a declaration that they are eligible for the issue of a licence or permit under the Act.
4. A further proposed amendment is to remove the mandatory 28-day waiting period if it is simply for a renewal of a current license.
5. An additional change proposed is to allow sending of firearms through the regular mail, if it is being sent from one licensed firearms dealer to another licensed firearms dealer, either within NSW or interstate, and as long delivery is in person to the addressee, such as through the registered mail service.
6. The most controversial change proposed seems to be the one to allow 12-year-olds to use high-calibre handguns in shooting competitions, like they were allowed to do until the Port Arthur massacre when the legislation was tightened up. Twelve year olds are currently allowed to shoot using lower calibre pistols so it is not the age that changes under this amendment, but the calibre of the firearms they would be allowed to use.
What do you think of these amendments? Do they make sense to you? Please let us know your thoughts on this upcoming Bill. Email Gordon
