Pastoralist loses gun licence fight

West Australian, Page: 18. Thursday, 7 August, 2008

Pastoralist John Anick yesterday lost his legal fight with WA Police in the State Administrative Tribunal to reclaim his handgun licence that was revoked by police under legislation that no longer allowed pastoralists to possess the firearms.
Mr Anick, a station owner in the Pilbara, was the first of a group of pastoralists being represented by lawyer Ross Williamson fighting the handgun confiscation that was implemented by police in the past 18 months.
Mr Williamson said his clients had a right to possess handguns because they dealt with wild and aggressive cattle. Many of his clients had stories of being attacked.
In dismissing Mr Anick’s application, Justice Michael Barker said evidence given on behalf of the Commissioner of Police “suggests that long arms are, generally speaking, a better option for dealing with the destruction of stock or vermin because of their efficiency, safety and general reliability”.
He said the “destruction of stock or vermin” also included instances where a wild bull might charge a station worker.
Mr Williamson said he was disappointed with the decision and was keen to appeal against it to the Supreme Court.
“It is always difficult within the four corners of a room in an office block on St Georges Terrace to explain to city people the circumstances and realities of everyday life in the remote parts of this State,” he said.