Page 2764 - Week 07 - Thursday, 3 July 2008
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possession and use of firearms to certain categories, for training purposes only, on firing ranges. I think that is somewhat restrictive. Until now, and in other states, minors could fire weapons under the supervision of a responsible adult. You can fire them on ranges and be trained on ranges. In fact, they have to do approved courses. But they could also use them for recreational hunting, for primary production and for other legitimate purposes. That is also an essential part of training a young person effectively in the use of a firearm.
The existing act allows the possession and use of firearms by minors under adult supervision for instruction in recreational hunting or vermin control on rural land or in primary production. We do not have any situations in the ACT where people might seek to use firearms in that capacity. Nonetheless, there are some situations, and they should be catered for.
In addition, very few, if any, incidents have occurred which might support the efficacy of the amendments. Indeed, to remove these provisions, which this bill would do, without making amendments, would have the effect of stifling valuable training opportunities for young people in the development of their skills under supervision.
The amendment which I will put before the Assembly goes somewhat further than Mr Corbell’s. That is why it is preferable. It would restore to the holders of minors licensing categories A and B only, the ability to possess and use firearms covered under those categories for genuine reasons of instruction about the safe use of firearms for recreational hunting or vermin control on rural land or in primary production. The amendment requires that such possession and use be under the supervision of an adult who holds licences in the same category—that is, A and B. Neither of these amendments—Mr Corbell’s or mine—seeks to change the bill’s provisions relating to minors licences in category H, which is pistols. Young people, even under the bill, will be able to be trained in the use of pistols on a range.
I do not think there is any need—indeed, it is quite unsafe—for people to use pistols in hunting vermin or anything like that. In fact, it can be quite dangerous and it is totally unnecessary. No responsible person is seeking that. So there should not be a need for minors to possess and use pistols in circumstances other than those which the bill contemplates. But in terms of class A and class B, it is a very important part of practical training for young people to be able to use these weapons in a rural situation.
I think we have about 200 or so farms in the ACT. Many of them are probably too close in even to allow sheep, but there are some in the ACT where people are invited to visit. People have friends and family there, and the rural property is used for recreational hunting and shooting. It helps the primary producer. Invariably, they are often family members or close friends. Certainly, I can see nothing wrong with a father, an uncle or an older brother taking out somebody who is under 18. That older person would have to be the holder of the relevant A or B licence and would be assisting with that young person’s training in a recreational hunting capacity or a vermin control capacity.
Whilst I am pleased that the attorney amended it so that at least young people who live in the bush are able, under their parent’s supervision, to use a class A or class B
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