Western Australia’s proposed changes to Regulations
by Minister for Police John Day
15 September 1997
Proposed changes to the Firearms regulations will provide greater equity among clay target shooters in Western Australia. Police Minister John Day said under the proposed changes a member of an approved club who shoots clay targets for national or international competition would be permitted to retain their Category C shotgun.
Mr Day said the proposal aimed to support a valuable sport in Western Australia that contributed to Australian success at national and international competition.
He said under the proposed amemdments the WA Police Service would maintain strict control over the operation of shooting clubs and their members.
"Club members who shoot clay targets are among the most responsible firearm owners in the State and are highly trained and disciplined," he said.
"I believe this proposed change will provide greater equity to sporting shooters who are members of an approved clay taget club using an approved club range."
Mr Day said current regulations restricted exemption for Categroy C shotguns for clay target shooters to only members of the Australian Clay target Association (ACTA)
"These regulations penalise those clay target shooters who are not affiliated with ACTA and yet compete at national and international levels." he said.
"The proposed amendments will allow women, the young and the disabled members of gun clubs - who prefer to use self loading shotguns for reduced recoil - to have access to those firearms."
Mr Day said owners of catgeory C shotguns who shoot clay tagets at gun club should apply immediately for an exemption before the September 30 deadline while the amendments are being considered. He said gun owners should apply at their local police station and provide proof of club membership and their application would be processed as quickly as possible after the Government's final decision.
In addition, the Minister is proposing an amendment to remove the requirement to temporarily render an antique firearm, held under a collector's licence, incapable of being used when it is stored. "the effect will be to allow the owners of antique fiorearms greater flexibility in their display," he said.
Media contact Mark Thompson on 3222311 or pager 4824648
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