Question Without Notice No. 741 asked in the Legislative Council on 1 November 2017 by Hon Rick Mazza
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
POLICE — FIREARMS AMENDMENT REGULATIONS
741. Hon RICK MAZZA to the minister representing the Minister for Police:
I refer to changes in WA Police's firearms licensing policies that now prevent Australia Post from transporting firearm components. Is the minister aware that —
(a) of the 11 currently approved commercial carriers, one is a rail-only option; two transport only on behalf of government departments; one is restricted to the transportation of explosives; three are point to point and so are limited from Perth to single destinations; one is limited to cash in transit; one is exclusive to a wholesaler; one is a point-to-point rail transporter from east to west, with no approved carriers to and from rail depots; and the final approved carrier services only specific areas of the Pilbara region and does not operate as a courier service;
(b) there are no workable freight options within Western Australia for firearms manufacturers, owners, collectors and dealers;
(c) this change in policy is causing massive losses and financial hardship, particularly in rural and regional Western Australia;
(d) a number of regional and rural family businesses are likely to fold in the immediate future; and
(e) other states and territories throughout Australia are not subject to these restrictions?
Hon STEPHEN DAWSON replied:
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. The following information has been provided to me by the Minister for Police.
(a)–(e) I have raised the matter with both the previous and the current Commissioner of Police. I am aware of the impact that this is having on firearms dealers, particularly in rural and regional Western Australia. I am keen to see a practical solution that does not compromise community safety.