The Shooters' Party

After months of being requested to do so, the Police Minister has finally amended the Weapons Prohibition Regulation to exempt a person holding a licence or permit under the Firearms Act 1996 from having to obtain a prohibited weapons permit for a laser pointer, but only in relation to its use in connection with a firearm to which the licence or permit under that Act applies.

The Firearms Regulation 2006 has been amended to better recognise international visitors permits issued in other States or Territories.  This amendment provides that international visitors who hold a temporary firearms permit issued in another State or Territory for the purpose of participating in a shooting competition are exempt from the requirement to hold a licence or permit authorising possession (but not use) of the relevant firearm while visiting New South Wales before or after the competition.

This amendment was requested some months ago to assist the organisers of the World Sporting Clays Championship that was held recently at Warnambool in Victoria.  The amendment was finally made less than two weeks prior to the competition being held.

Some minor changes to the Regulation as it applies to historical or commemorative re-enactments events using prohibited weapons have also been made. This includes clarification of the notice that must be given to local police prior to such an event being held, and specification of the details that must be provided to the Commissioner when applying for a permit for such an event.

A new exemption has also been inserted to allow residents from another State or Territory who hold an equivalent permit in their home state, to participate in an historical or commemorative re-enactment event in NSW for which a permit has been issued.

Further amendments to the Firearms Regulation which came into effect on 13 November 2009 are:
<ul><li>to specify the offences that disqualify applicants, if they are subject to a good behaviour bond for such an offence, from getting a firearms licence or permit or from being involved in a firearms dealing business,</li>
<li>to enable security guards who have firearms licences to possess and use prohibited pistols or certain shotguns but only if expressly authorised to do so by the Commissioner, </li>
<li>to extend the temporary licensing amnesty (to 31 March 2010) for certain percussion lock pistols manufactured before 1900.</li></ul>

Getting changes to the firearms regulations is a bit like pulling teeth, but we will keep at it as and when we find silly provisions, which should never have been included in the first place. We do appreciate the feedback from shooters on issues they would like addressed and will push for more changes in 2010.

Have a safe and happy holiday period and don’t forget, we are always happy to visit clubs around the State to update shooters on the latest changes to Firearms regulations – if you would like Robert or myself to visit your club, please call the office during business hours.