FIREARMS — REGIONAL TRANSPORT
1266. Hon RICK MAZZA to the minister representing the
Minister for Police:
I refer to ongoing problems associated with the transport of
firearms and ammunition experienced by farmers and licensed recreational
shooters, especially those in our regions. I have been advised that Australia
Post was approved as a carrier some months ago.
(1) Can the
minister advise the date for the resumption of carrier services by Australia
Post?
(2) If not,
why not?
Hon STEPHEN DAWSON
replied:
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the
question. The Western Australia Police Force advises the following.
(1)–(2)
It should be noted that Australia Post was not an authorised carrier under the
current legislation and after encouragement from the WA Police Force to apply
to be an approved commercial carrier of firearms in Western Australia, approval
was granted on 17 August 2018. There has been considerable consultation between
the WA Police Force, Australia Post and industry stakeholders on this matter.
The WA Police Force and other stakeholders have worked together to assist
Australia Post in its endeavours to become an approved carrier in Western Australia.
Australia Post indicates that, prior to the commencement of transportation, it
needs to implement staff training and internal logistical and technical
processes around this activity. The timing for the launch of the service is a commercial
decision for Australia Post.