South Australia Police press release on gun issue
by SA Police Minister Iain Evans
10 June 1998
South Australia is holding firm to its existing gun laws and will be pushing for no watering down of Australia’s laws at today’s Australasian Police Ministers’ Council (APMC) in New Zealand.
The Minister for Police, Mr Iain Evans, says South Australia is committed to the Principle of uniformity as set out by the Commonwealth and State Governments as part of previous APMC resolutions.
“South Australia’s legislation places it amongst the most complaint with the APMC resolutions and this has ensured we have some of the strictest and safest laws in Australia. I do not believe it is in the interests of South Australians to change this - The State Government intends to hold firm, “ Mr Evans says.
The Minister will advise the APMC today that the Government has no plans to change access to Class ‘C’ firearms and will continue to restrict access to members of the South Australian Clay Target Association Inc, or the Australian Clay Target Association Inc. who are also members of a recognised firearms club which is affiliated with either of those associations.
Mr Evans will also stipulate there are no plans to change legislation relating to the 28 day waiting period in issuing a permit to carry a second or subsequent forearm, in the wake of Victorian changes which will allow the Chief Commissioner to reduce the 28 day wait for issuing second or subsequent permits.
“All South Australians should feel secure knowing that the State Government has a sold commitment to gun control and is determined to continue to do everything possible to confine gun use to those people who have a legitimate requirement to own and to use specific forearms, “he says.
“We want to guard against ever again seeing the widespread availability of semi-automatic weapons - a situation which led to the tragic events at Port Arthur”.
In the lead up to the APMC, the Minister met with the Sporting Shooters Association of South Australia, the Anti Gun Coalition and the Combined Shooters and Firearms Council to have a clear understanding of their position on reform. However, Mr Evans says the decision not to change the existing laws was the best option and in the interests of the wider community.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Field and Game access to Class C firearms.
Victoria has moved to allow restricted access to ‘C’ class forearms for members
of Field and Game Association. Currently the APMC resolutions restrict access
to members of the Australian Clay Target Association. South Australia has
confirmed its support of this position.
28-day waiting period.
In South Australia, a permit authorising the acquisition of a firearm can
only be granted after a 28 day waiting period. The Registrar of Firearms may
grant a permit before the 28 days has expired if the Registrar is satisfied
that it is safe to do so and that there are special reasons for doing so.
Since September 1996, only about 30 permits have been granted before the 28
day period.
South Australia has ruled our changing its position and will retain the 28 day rule for all firearms.
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