Page 785 - Week 03 - Thursday, 2 April 2020
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are unknown. But that support does not extend to giving the government complete liberty to do anything and to override the rule of law. There are many good aspects and changes within this bill, but some are of significant concern. That is why we all need to be vigilant, to make sure that what we are doing is in the best interests of all Canberra taxpayers, when we oversee what the government is doing over the coming months.
MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella—Minister for Advanced Technology and Space Industries, Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Minister for Planning and Land Management, Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Minister for Urban Renewal) (3.14): I rise to speak briefly on one aspect of the bill that is before us—the proposed creation of new powers for me, as the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, to make declarations which may prevent the Registrar of Firearms from issuing licences under the Firearms Act 1996, prevent the registrar from issuing a permit to acquire a firearm under the Firearms Act, or prohibit or limit the sale of firearms, firearms parts and ammunition. This bill also contains within it a similar power to make a declaration to restrict permits under the Prohibited Weapons Act 1996.
In crafting these amendments, we have taken a balanced approach, with the view that our territory’s firearms licence holders are responsible. They take their obligations as licence holders seriously and ensure that firearms are, firstly, only used for legitimate, authorised purposes and, secondly, firearms and ammunition are stored safely. However, during this public health emergency and with the uncertainty that it brings, it is prudent to ensure that we have a robust mechanism, should there be a need to restrict the supply of firearms, firearms parts and ammunition.
The set of amendments that are before us today will allow me, as the minister, to control the flow of firearms and ammunition, should there be a need to do so. If passed, these changes would only be used in circumstances where advice is provided by ACT Policing and/or other security agencies or officials that it is necessary to prevent stockpiling for the security of our citizens; if reports of stockpiling have emerged in other states and territories; or if there is a genuine need to limit access to ensure that those that have a need for a legitimate or authorised purpose can access ammunition or firearms in the event of supply shortfalls.
I want to make it clear that, if these circumstances arise, licensed firearms dealers in the ACT would be able to continue to operate to ensure that essential firearms users, such as law enforcement, primary producers and pest controllers, can access firearms and ammunition as needed—unless, of course, there is a decision of the national cabinet which requires otherwise.
There is some anecdotal evidence that there may be a national supply issue emerging regarding ammunition. This is something that officials are keeping an eye on. If supply issues were to emerge, these amendments would allow me to make a declaration ensuring that essential firearms users, farmers and other rural landholders are able to have access to limited amounts of ammunition for the purpose of pest control, farming use or other approved needs as authorised under the Firearms Act, in
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