Shooters have say on gun laws
Penola Pennant, Page: 5. Wednesday, 13 May, 2009
Public comments have been invited on a review of South Australia’s Firearms Act and Regulations.
The Police Minister called for the review in 2006, however the process was delayed due to a spate of motorcycle gang shootings, followed by a crackdown on illegal firearms holders.
This initiated the introduction of an enforcement package in November 2007, including Firearms Prohibition Orders.
The Act will now be reviewed in consultation with the state’s 60,000 licensed shooters, 280 dealers, 200 gun clubs and the general public.
Firearms Branch policy project officer Stuart Anderson said clarifying specific laws and regulations was integral to the review.
Mr Anderson also said tailoring enforcement packages to target criminal behaviour would avoid imposing unnecessary restrictions on licence holders.
“We hope the review will eventually lead to the establishment of national firearms control framework,” he said.
Public submission forms are available from the www.sapolice.sa.gov.au website.
Submissions are expected by July 31, with new legislation to follow up to 18 months later.
According to Gambier Shooting Supplies owner Ian Lambert, public input will ensure the Act reflects the views of people from across the spectrum.
Mr Lambert said he received a letter from the police Firearms Branch in March, notifying him of a mid-year meeting where distributors could have their say.
“The 28 day cooling-off period on first weapon permits should be freed up and gun licences should expire annually on the licence holder’s s birthday,” he said.
Mr Lambert said regulations concerning the correct storage of firearms also needed to be clarified.
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