Western Australian Police Officer Superintendent Stephen Robbins’ Affidavit
IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF ALBERTA
IN THE MATTER OF SECTION 27 (1) OF THE JUDICATURE ACT , R.S.A. 1989
CHAPTER J-1
AND IN THE MATTER OF A REFERENCE BY THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO THE COURT OF APPEAL OF ALBERTA FOR HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF THE QUESTIONS SET OUT INORDER IN COUNCIL 461/96 RESPECTING THE FIREARMS ACT, SC 1995, CHAPTER 39.
AFFIDAVIT
I, Stephen John Robbins of the City of Perth, Western Australia, MAKE OATH AND SAY AS FOLLOWS:
1. I am a Superintendent of the Western Australia Police Service and Commissioned Officer responsible for the administration of the Firearms Act and Regulations of this State.
2. I have been a member of the Western Australia Police Service for 26 years, have worked as a Detective invesitgating crimes and have managed a variety of police units.
3. The Western Australia Police Service was founded in 1829.
4. Since 1931 the Western Australia Police has licensed gun owners and registered firearms under the provisions of the Firearms Act.
5. All of Australia's States and Territories currently register rifles and shotguns.
6. All military style weapons are prohibited.
7. The system has assisted the police in criminal investigations and enhancing public safety.
8. In 1984 whilst Western Australia maintained firearm licensing there were 3.09 firearm related deaths per 100,000 population. Another state, Tasmania did not have firearm licensing and recorded 6.62 firearm related deaths per 100,000 population.
In 1994 other states that adopted firearm licensing laws saw a major reduction in firearm related deaths compared to 1984 statistics.
Australia wide in 1984 there were 4.42 firearm related deaths per 100,000 and in 1994 when more states adopted firearm licensing laws there were only 2.95 firearm related deaths per 100,000 population.
The source of these statistics is the Australian Institute of Criminology.
The early identification of the owner of firearms in Western Australia has led to the successful conclusion of murder and robbery crimes.
9. Our state has recently entered an agreement with the other states in Australia to develop and implement a National Gun Registration System.
10. The police in Western Australia support registration of firearms generally.
SWORN BEFORE ME at the City of Perth the 24 Day of January 1997
(signed)
V.E. Hayward JP
(signed)
Stephen John ROBBINS
Copy held SSAA National
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