23/12/04
The internationally acclaimed sport of paintball will be legalised in Western Australia from January 1.
Police Minister Michelle Roberts said new laws would come into effect in the New Year providing for the licensing of people and organisations to play paintball.
"Common sense has prevailed in this case," Mrs Roberts said.
"More than 10 million people play this internationally recognised sport around the world and yet organisations in WA have been forced to operate in the shadows.
"Legalising this sport is an issue that I have been pursuing for many years. I am very pleased that the Gallop Government has led the charge to ensure this activity is now properly regulated and controlled for many thousands of Western Australians to enjoy."
The Minister said there were about 50 paintball organisations currently operating around WA.
Ironically, some of these groups have already been granted local government approval to play paintball and had even established their recreational areas based on council requirements.
"It was an anomaly that needed to be cleared up and sorted and we now have clear guidelines and regulations for all players and organisations to observe," Mrs Roberts said.
The Minister said under recent changes to the Firearms Act there would be tight restrictions on the paintball firearm and stringent supervision codes.
She said players under 16 years of age would require approval from a parent or guardian. The paintball pellets themselves and their velocity when fired from a paintball firearm would also need to meet prescribed standards.
"Licensing conditions will also ensure there are supervisors in place during a game to enforce safety standards with all players wearing protective clothing and headgear," Mrs Roberts said.
"Prior to a venue being approved, it will be inspected by police officers from the Firearms Branch to ensure the location is safe and appropriate for paintball to be played."
The Minister said paintball was both a popular corporate team-building activity and recreation pursuit.
"It has the potential to be a popular tourist attraction," she said.
"Our Government readily took up the challenge to regulate paintball, unlike the former Liberal Government, who preferred to bury their heads in the sand and put paintball in the too hard category."
Minister's office: 9213 6600
