Justice Minister Vanstone and changes to gun laws
27 April 1998
Mr Bill Shelton
National President
Sporting Shooters' Association of Australia (inc)
PO Box 2066
KENT TOWN SA 5071
Dear Mr Shelton
I refer to your letter of 11 March 1998 regarding the proposal by some State jurisdictions to amend their firearms legislation.
The Federal Government took an unprecedented leadership role on the issue following strong community concern in the wake of the Port Arthur tragedy. It successfully negotiated the National Agreement on Firearms Control in 1996. The principles of the agreement were endorsed by all Australian State and Territory Police Ministers to reduce the availability of certain firearms.
The Prime Minister's strong leadership on this issue has resulted in over 640,000 guns being surrendered, making the Australian community a far safer place for all Australians. It is acknowledged that while some people in our community, notably in rural communities, have encountered more onerous arrangements in purchasing and registering firearms as a result of the national agreement, it also contributes to the safety of all Australians which is of primary concern to the government.
The historic firearms control agreement reached at the 10 May 1996 meeting of the Australian Police Minister's Council (APMC) was entered into willingly by all States and Territories. The agreement was that all Australian State and Territory Parliaments would enact firearm control legislation banning the possession of certain firearms and enhancing licensing, training, storage and other associated requirements to conform to at least minimum standards agreed to at the APMC meeting.
The Prime Minister has expressed his great concern that some States and Territories have neither not fully implemented the Agreement or are seeking to introduce laws which would weaken considerably the agreement.
This matter was to be discussed by the Prime Minister at the Premier's Conference, which was abandoned by the States and Territories. As a result of the refusal of the Premiers and Chief Ministers to discuss the issue, the Commonwealth was left with no choice but to implement, as a first measure, import restrictions under the customs power on certain firearms.
On 24 March 1998, the Federal Government amended the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations to limit the importation into Australia of self-loading rimfire and semi-automatic and pump action shotguns, otherwise known as Category C weapons. The Commonwealth has taken this action which will not increase the restrictions on firearm ownership but will ensure compliance with the existing National Firearms Agreement adopted by States and Territories following the Port Arthur tragedy in 1996.
I mention the Hoddle Street, Queen Street (Victoria), Strathfield (New South Wales), and Port Arthur (Tasmania) tragedies at which multiple killings occurred because the perpetrators used weaponry now banned to all but a class of professional shooters under the national firearms agreement.
I can assure you that the Commonwealth Government is absolutely committed to the full implementation and maintenance, without qualification, throughout Australia of the National Firearms Agreement.
I will continue to hold discussions to ensure that all States and Territories reaffirm their commitment to the National Firearms Agreement.
Yours sincerley
(signed)
Amanda Vanstone
Original held SSAA National
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