Gun laws review released for public comment

The Law Reform Commission of Western Australia has released a discussion paper inviting the public to have their say on the control and regulation of firearms and ammunition, and the licensing of persons possessing, using, dealing with, or manufacturing firearms in WA.
  • Public invited to have their say on gun law reform

The Law Reform Commission of Western Australia has released a discussion paper inviting the public to have their say on the control and regulation of firearms and ammunition, and the licensing of persons possessing, using, dealing with, or manufacturing firearms in WA.

Police Minister Liza Harvey said the review was an extremely comprehensive procedure.

"The Government is interested in what stakeholders have to say about gun law reform and how it can be improved," Mrs Harvey said.

"We are looking at ways we can reduce red tape around gun ownership while ensuring community safety."

Issues under consideration in the discussion paper include:

  • does the Firearms Act need to be amended, and if so, how?
  • could the process of applying for a firearms licence be improved?
  • who should be regarded as a fit and proper person to own a gun?
  • how many guns should an individual be allowed to have?
  • should under-18s be allowed to use guns?
  • should Aboriginal people be able to use a gun for traditional hunting?
  • should people charged with violent offences lose their guns?
  • can anything be learnt from the Sydney siege, where an unlicensed gun owner had access to a gun? 

The commission considered submissions from key stakeholders in its comprehensive discussion paper on the legislation.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, February 1, 2016.

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