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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 3 Hansard (25 March) . . Page.. 824 ..

MR HUMPHRIES (continuing):

I have since been advised by the Commonwealth, which is the authority which will be approving category C shotgun importation applications, that most, if not all, international competitors will be seeking to import the standard category C semiautomatic or pump action shotgun with a magazine capacity of no more than five rounds as opposed to the rarer two-round magazine variety of the same category C shotgun.

The Commonwealth has confirmed that it will not be seeking to restrict category C weapons imported by international competitors to the two-shot variety. In the circumstances, were the ACT to proceed with the imposition of a ban on category C shotguns other than those which are limited in their firing capacity to two rounds, the Territory would effectively be unable to host both national and international competitors in their preparations for the Olympics. Whilst it was my preference to limit the types of category C shotguns entering the Territory to those with a two-shot capacity, I do not propose that this be at the cost of the Territory's host role in this international and historic event. Therefore, the proposed amendments to the ACT firearms legislation enable mutual recognition of the standard category C shotgun with a magazine capacity of no more than five rounds.

But, most importantly, Mr Speaker, the Government's legislation complies with all APMC agreements which form part of the national firearms agreement. I have said previously that the ACT Government is not in the business of breaching the agreement and this legislation, while differing from my original intended position, is entirely consistent with the national agreement.

This Bill will also make several formal amendments to the Firearms Act to renumber and rearrange or insert section headings to certain provisions and to repeal those sections and schedules of the Act which have expired. Mr Speaker, I commend the Bill to the Assembly.

Debate (on motion by Mr Stanhope ) adjourned.

MR HUMPHRIES (Attorney-General, Minister for Justice and Community Safety and Minister Assisting the Treasurer) (11.27): Mr Speaker, I present the Olympic Events Security Bill 1999, together with its explanatory memorandum.

Title read by Clerk.

MR HUMPHRIES: I move:

That this Bill be agreed to in principle.

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