110 changes have been proposed to the NSW Firearms Act 1996.

This review of NSW gun laws has produced some useful improvements to those laws, particularly in regards to better controls on the armed security industry, higher penalties for illegal possession, and more forceful controls on gun trafficking and gun crime.

GCA spokesperson Randy Marshall said that “There are many minor disappointing changes proposed which will make it easier for shooters to avoid their obligations but the major let-down to the public is the failure to develop a vastly improved training and credentialisation regime”. “To allow anyone to own and use a gun with only 3 hours training is shameful” said Mr Marshall.

Mr Marshall noted that “In NSW the shooting groups still have far too much say in the training and credentialisation of gun owners”. “Like shooting groups in other states they do not wish to see a thorough training or disciplining program developed nor do they wish to see strict and forceful exams to be in place which will filter out the careless and the impulsive”.

What is needed Mr Marshall said “is a minimum of 20 hours training at a TAFE College followed by three hours of written exams”. “Since most current gun owners have not been properly trained or disciplined it is necessary to insist that all gun owners have to take the course as the renewal of their Shooters Licence becomes due”.

Comments on the proposed amendments should be made ASAP to the NSW Police Ministry. 14-24 College Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010. Fax 02 9380 0555.