The Western Australian Labor Government is planning to impose restrictions on the number of guns that licensed firearm holders can own.
Led by Premier Roger Cook, the Labor government aims to implement the “toughest firearms laws” in Australia, with the goal of prioritizing “community safety” as the rationale for limiting the number of guns individuals can possess.
According to the proposed legislation, firearm club and competition members would be limited to 10 guns, while recreational shooters would be allowed five. Primary producers (farmers) would also face a limit of 10 firearms.
Currently, individuals in Western Australia (WA) must apply for a license and demonstrate a genuine reason and need for owning a firearm.
The new legislation will be introduced to Parliament early next year following public consultation. With a strong majority in both the Upper House (21 out of 36 seats) and Lower House (53 out of 59 seats), the Labor state government aims to implement the most significant overhaul of firearm laws in the state’s history.
Premier Cook asserts that these reforms will enhance public safety in WA and modernize the recording, monitoring, and enforcement of firearm laws by the police.
“WA is the last jurisdiction to update its firearm legislation since the Port Arthur massacre,” stated Mr. Cook.
West Australian Premier Roger Cook speaks to media at Dumas House in Perth, Australia on Jun. 29. (Matt Jelonek/Getty Images)
“Unfortunately, there have been several high-profile gun incidents in recent years. These unlawful uses of firearms underscore the necessity of this crucial reform.
“The reforms strike a balance between responsible gun ownership and enhanced public safety.”
The government has conducted extensive consultations, including 100 meetings with stakeholders and individuals, to develop these changes.
What Are the Changes?
Eight new license types have been introduced for primary producers, individuals, trades, businesses, clubs, ranges, collectors, and the government.
To facilitate this transition, the government will fund a voluntary firearm buyback scheme early next year to minimize the financial impact on current license holders.
The new licenses will be digital, requiring gun owners to apply through an online portal with an upgraded IT system.
Competitive shooters planning to represent WA at national or international levels will need to seek approval from the regulator for additional firearms.
The WA Firearms Community Alliance expressed their interest in examining the draft proposal and providing feedback, although they were not initially provided a copy of the document.
“We will also advise you on what you can do as a concerned firearms owner regarding the unprovoked and unwarranted attack on your cultural, recreational, and professional pastime,” stated the Alliance on Facebook.
Shooters Union Australia highlighted that evidence suggests gun control has minimal impact on crime rates.
“It’s evident that the WA government is extremely fearful of guns—so the question is, why? What are they planning that has them so afraid people might use guns to oppose it?” they wrote on Facebook.
“WA is a vast, sparsely populated state—despite its area of approximately 2.6 million square kilometers, 80 percent of the population resides in the greater Perth region, and the majority of the remaining population is in the southeast corner. One would assume that a state with such vast empty land… would be a paradise for hunters and sport shooters.
“Every licensed gun owner in Australia has undergone a police background check and has been deemed one of the most law-abiding, responsible individuals in their state.”
However, Police Minister Paul Papalia cited ”public safety” as the motivation behind the new legislation.
“If there are fewer firearms in the community, there will be fewer opportunities for illegal use,” stated Mr. Papalia.
“In addition to the proposed legislative changes, we have already confiscated firearms from notorious criminals and individuals involved in serious domestic violence, removing 280 excessively high-powered guns from the community.”
Regarding the number of firearms, Mr. Papalia mentioned that firearm numbers in WA have risen by 65 percent since 2009, surpassing 360,000.
“The new firearm limits will only affect around five percent of individual license holders, but they will result in the removal of over 10,000 firearms from the community,” added Mr. Papalia.
The government reported that, on average, one gun has been stolen in WA every day over the past five years.
“Implementing stricter storage controls will significantly reduce the likelihood of theft,” claimed the government.
The Firearms Bill Consultation Paper will be released for public review and feedback on October 17. The public will have until November 14 to provide their input through the WA Police website.
WA Police inspect cars at a Border Check Point on Indian Ocean Drive north of Perth, Australia on Jun. 29, 2021. (Matt Jelonek/Getty Images)
How Do You Buy A Gun in WA?
All firearms must be registered, and individuals must possess a license. A license will not be granted if it is deemed “not desirable in the interests of public safety” or if the ”person is not a fit and proper person to hold the approval, permit, or license.”
First-time applicants must complete a Firearms Awareness test with an approved firearm dealer or club. Additionally, they must demonstrate a genuine reason and need for owning a firearm and provide supporting evidence.
A new license cannot be issued until a 28-day cooling-off period has passed since the application date.
Firearms must be securely stored and comply with Schedule Four of the Firearm Regulations 1974.
Many types of firearms are restricted or prohibited and can only be possessed under specific conditions.
What limitations will be placed on firearm club and competition members, recreational shooters, and farmers under the new laws?
Aks during a press conference regarding the new firearms laws. (AAP Image/Rebecca Le May)
The proposed reforms come in the wake of a series of deadly mass shootings around the world, including the recent incident in Tasmania where 35 people were killed in the Port Arthur massacre. Following the tragedy, the Australian Federal Government implemented strict firearm laws, including a ban on semi-automatic and automatic weapons, as well as a mandatory buyback program for prohibited firearms.
Since then, most states and territories in Australia have implemented their own firearm regulations to further enhance public safety. However, Western Australia has fallen behind in updating its legislation, which has prompted the Labor Government to take action and introduce these new reforms.
Under the new laws, firearm club and competition members will be limited to owning up to 10 guns, while recreational shooters will be allowed to possess up to five firearms. Farmers, who require firearms for pest control and other agricultural purposes, will also face a limit of 10 firearms.
The introduction of these limits aims to prevent the stockpiling of firearms and ensure that individuals only possess firearms that are necessary for their intended use. This move is in line with the Labor Government’s commitment to prioritize community safety and minimize the risk of firearms falling into the wrong hands.
Individuals in Western Australia are already required to apply for a firearms license and demonstrate a genuine reason and need for owning a firearm. The new legislation aims to build on this existing framework by introducing stricter limitations on the number of guns individuals can own.
Premier Roger Cook has emphasized that the goal of these reforms is to enhance public safety in Western Australia. The Labor Government aims to modernize the recording, monitoring, and enforcement of firearm laws, allowing the police to effectively track and regulate firearms in the state.
It is worth noting that the new reforms will be subject to public consultation before being introduced to Parliament next year. This ensures that the views and concerns of the community are taken into account in shaping the final legislation.
By implementing the ”toughest firearms laws” in Australia, Western Australia aims to lead the way in ensuring community safety and preventing gun-related incidents. The Labor Government’s commitment to prioritizing public safety is commendable, and it is hoped that these reforms will serve as an example for other jurisdictions in the country.
As Premier Cook stated, “WA is the last jurisdiction to update its firearm legislation since the Port Arthur massacre.” By introducing these new reforms, Western Australia is taking important steps towards preventing gun violence and protecting its citizens.
The Labor Government’s proposals mark a significant milestone in the state’s history, and with their substantial majority in both the Upper House and Lower House of Parliament, they are well-positioned to implement these changes.
It is crucial for the community to engage in the public consultation process and voice their opinions on these reforms. Through a collaborative and transparent approach, Western Australia can create a safer and more secure environment for its residents.
By updating its firearm laws and introducing stricter limitations on gun ownership, Western Australia is demonstrating its commitment to upholding public safety and preventing future tragedies from occurring. The proposed reforms will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the firearms landscape in the state and contribute to the overall safety and well-being of its residents.
It is now up to the community and the lawmakers to work together to ensure that these reforms are implemented effectively, striking the right balance between individual liberties and collective security.
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