Page 3239 - Week 08 - Thursday, 16 August 2018
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(1) What is the average cost of undertaking a mental health check when applying for a firearms licence in the ACT, and is this cost borne by the individual or the ACT Government.
(2) Are all individuals who apply for a firearms licence in the ACT required to undergo mental health checks.
(3) Does this differ depending on the category of firearms licence and does this differ if the individual currently holds a firearms licence for a different category of firearm.
(4) How many mental health checks have been required in order for an individual to obtain a firearms licence in the ACT in 2017-18 to date and how many have resulted in a licence being declined.
Mr Gentleman: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) Any costs associated with undertaking a mental health check are the responsibility of the individual applicant. If a person is asked to provide further information regarding their mental health status or treatment, it is most commonly provided in the form of a letter from their physician (preferably a treating mental health professional) commenting on the ability of the applicant to responsibly handle firearms. Therefore, the costs of the check are based on the individual physician’s service charges.
(2) Not all individuals who apply for a firearms licence in the ACT are required to undergo mental health checks. Mental health checks are only sought if the applicant discloses an issue, or if a mental health issue comes to police attention. This is consistent with other jurisdictions in Australia.
(3) This does not differ depending on the category of firearms licence and it does not differ if the individual currently holds a firearms licence for a different category of firearm. The category of licence is not a consideration.
(4) The Registrar for Firearms may request that an applicant disclose personal health information relevant to the applicant’s ability to handle firearms responsibly, and may refuse to consider an application if the information is not provided.
Mental health checks are not a mandatory requirement to obtain a firearms licence, and as such the number of checks required in 2017-18 have not been tracked by ACT Policing. Notwithstanding this ACT Policing has advised me that during 2017-18 to date, three licence applications have been declined on mental health grounds in the ACT. During the same time 10 licences have been suspended on mental health grounds.
Alexander Maconochie Centre—programs
(Question No 1558)
Mr Milligan asked the Minister for Corrections, upon notice, on 8 June 2018:
(1) Is there a new eligibility criteria for the Throughcare program at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC); if so, can the Minister outline (a) what the revised
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