Question On Notice No. 1132 asked in the Legislative Council on 29 November 2022 by Hon Nick Goiran
Question Directed to the: Parliamentary Secretary representing the Attorney General
Parliament: 41 Session: 1
Question
I refer to the Attorney General Regulations Amendment (Firearms) Regulations 2022, and I ask:
(a) what
was the catalyst for bringing about these amendments to the regulations;
(b) who
was consulted prior to these amendment regulations being finalised;
(c) did
any person consulted raise any concerns;
(d) if
yes to (c), what were these concerns;
(e) have
the finalised amendment regulations addressed these concerns; and
(f) if
no to (e), why not?
Answered on 14 February 2023
(a) The Western Australia Police Force (WAPF) identified a number of regulatory amendments required to support the operation of the Firearms Amendment Act 2022 (WA) (Amendment Act). The Amendment Act received Royal Assent on 18 May 2022 and came into operation by proclamation on 19 November 2022.
The Amendment Act replaced the term “firearm” with “firearm item” and “firearms licence” with “firearms authorisation” in the Firearms Act 1973 (WA). As a result, these new terms needed to be included within the appropriate parts of the Prohibited Behaviour Orders Regulations 2011 (WA) and the Restraining Orders Regulations 1997 (WA) – which fall under the Attorney General’s portfolio. The required amendments were contained within the Attorney General Regulations Amendment (Firearms) Regulations 2022.
(b) The WAPF consulted with the Department of Justice (the Department). Due to the regulatory amendments being of a consequential nature, the Department did not undertake formal external consultation.
(c) No.
(d) - (f) Not applicable.