Amendments to Firearms Bill 2011

[Mark Warton]

If there are any amendments to take place in relation to the Firearms Legislation Amendment Bill 2011, I would respectfully suggest that Schedule 3 be amended.

The new proposed Clause (2A) reads;

A person does not commit an offence under subclause (1)(a) of carrying, or being in possession of , a firearm in a park if:

(a) the firearms is not loaded with any ammunition, and
(b) the firearm is being conveyed in a vehicle that is travelling on any public or other road traversing the park, and
(c) the person is authorised by or under the Firearms Act 1996 to possess the firearm.

I would suggest that the word "traversing" is unnecessary and could invite unintended arguments about its meaning. A replacement with the word "within" should be sufficient.

Similarly the proposed Clause (2B) relating to ammunition has a requirement that;

(a) the ammunition is kept separate from any firearm, and
(b) the ammunition is being conveyed in a vehicle that is travelling on any public or other road traversing the park and..."

I would suggest that the word "separate" be removed. The word in vague in meaning and unnecessary since it is already a requirement for the firearm to be unloaded. The same comment about "traversing" applies.

On further reflection, 2B (a) is entirely otiose without the word "separate" so maybe it should read "the ammunition is not loaded in a firearm." And for good measure, perhaps if some people keep their items in a ute tray box, both Regulations should say "upon or in a vehicle"