Question On Notice No. 1752 asked in the Legislative Council on 15 November 2023 by Hon Louise Kingston
Question Directed to the: Minister for Emergency Services representing the Minister for Police
Parliament: 41 Session: 1
Question
I refer to the Government’s proposed plan to further restrict law-abiding firearm licence holders, and I ask:
(a) if the key objective is public safety, in the most recent data available how many firearms related offences were committed using licensed firearms;
(b) how many firearms related offences were committed using unlicensed firearms;
(c) is there any visible trend over recent years; and
(d) if yes to (c), what is the trend?
Answered on 27 February 2024
(a) – (d)
As was recommended by the Review of the Firearms Act 1973 (WA) Law Reform Commission report of October 2016, the Firearms Act 1973 (WA) has been rewritten from the ground up with a statement as to the purpose of the Firearms Legislation that confirms:
a. The primary principle is the need to ensure public safety:
b. The possession and use of firearms is a privilege that is always conditional on the need to ensure public safety; and
c. Public safety can be improved by requiring strict controls on the possession, use, dealing and manufacturing of firearms and requiring the safe and secure storage and carriage of firearms.
In 2023, the Western Australia Police Force advise that there were 517 incidents involving firearms this represents a 14% increase on recorded incidents involving a firearm in 2022.