Page 31 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 13 February 2018
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The government now agrees that their own original drafting of the bill did not accurately or clearly define an antique firearm. There have been numerous community discussions to come up with an agreed position between some representatives of firearms users, but not all, and the government’s own bodies. I will assume that the government’s amendments will not adversely impact collectors of antique firearms or make what is currently an antique firearm into a firearm needing registration and licensing. When the detail gets presented, I will go to that in a little more detail.
The bill addresses some discrepancies in our existing laws, which do require fixing, particularly in relation to weapons such as knives. There is a harmonisation occurring here with laws existing in New South Wales and in some cases with the commonwealth. The bill bans credit card knives, for example, thus bringing the ACT into line with New South Wales, and it is adopting the commonwealth definition of body armour, a new term, a more modern term, for what was previously referred to as soft body armour. In general, we support the elimination of ambiguity. Obviously, having harmonisation with New South Wales has many benefits where it is possible, as we have discussed in this place in relation to other laws.
The bill also seeks to impose storage requirements on category A and B shooters, bringing them into line with the requirements for collectors. Stakeholders have told me, and the government has reported the same to me, that many shooters already adhere to the storage requirements that are now going to be set out in law, thus making the impact probably minimal on firearms owners. Certainly, having a storage facility for weapons that is bolted to the floor or concreted in I think is a very common expectation, and a reasonable expectation, so that without keys firearms cannot go walking away.
I would like to thank Frances from the minister’s office, and the many JACS officials, for their dealings with me in relation to this bill. I look forward to it being debated.
MR RATTENBURY (Kurrajong) (11.32): The Greens are pleased to support legislation which strengthens our firearms and weapons laws. By updating our firearms and weapons legislation the bill will ensure community safety by enabling the better administration of firearms in the territory, whilst acknowledging that there are legitimate uses for firearms. I acknowledge the extensive consultation the minister has undertaken with stakeholders and interested parties in relation to this bill to achieve a better outcome for community safety.
The bill will impose greater storage requirements for category A and B licence holders who possess more than 10 firearms. Weapons will now need to be stored in a metal, brick or concrete safe. Previously this requirement only applied to collectors. The bill also creates an express prohibition on bladed weapons which can be disguised to look like something else, such as credit card knives. This will bring the ACT into line with other jurisdictions, including New South Wales.
The bill also provides for greater protection of criminal intelligence or security sensitive information. The Firearms Registrar is currently empowered to refuse to issue a firearm where information held by a law enforcement agency suggests the
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