Move to outlaw 'paintball' game

17/6/93

The State Government will move to specifically outlaw the game of 'paintball' in Western Australia, Police Minister Bob Wiese announced today.

Mr Wiese said the so-called sport involved potentially lethal weapons and flouted Australia wide moves for tighter firearm controls.

He said he believed the majority of Western Australians considered paintball an anti-social and dangerous activity.

Mr Wiese said police, supported by advice from Crown Law, believe the weapons used in paintball are firearms and therefore require licensing. Paintball lobby groups have a legal opinion to the contrary.

Mr Wiese said that, to clarify the issue, Cabinet had agreed to amend the Firearms Act to specifically prohibit the licensing of paintball guns for use in the game of paintball.

"There has been considerable publicity in recent weeks about clandestine paintball games being played in WA," he said.

"It is my belief that as Police Minister I need to send a clear message that this game will not be allowed in WA.

"The police are strongly opposed to the introduction of paintball and it flies in the face of nationwide moves for tougher gun laws.

"The game involves risk of injury, questionable social behaviour and is a departure from the fundamental rule of gun safety that a weapon should not be pointed at another person.

"In addition, the weapons themselves are threatening in appearance and action and have the potential, with just minor modifications, to cause serious or fatal injury.

"It would be totally inappropriate to allow this game to proceed at a time when community concern about firearms is at its greatest."

Mr Wiese said tests on paintball guns indicated that at close range they were capable of a higher velocity than the .38 issue revolver issued to Western Australian police.

The weapons could also be used to fire more lethal projectiles, such as ball bearings, marbles and other solid objects.

"The risks involved in this activity are clearly spelt out by the organisers of paintball in other States," Mr Wiese said.

"Their waiver of liability states that paintball is inherently dangerous, and that participants may be injured or killed while playing.

"I believe the community will accept the need to legislate against the introduction of paintball in this State."

Media contact: Tony Robertson 222 9595 or 322 2311