The Australian Gun Safety Alliance (AGSA) is pleased to see the Western Australian Government commit to the revision of its 1973 Firearms Act. It shows it takes the issue of community safety seriously and we look forward to Western Australia being the first jurisdiction to fully comply with the National Firearms Agreement.
Premier Mark McGowan has promised to strengthen the Act to enhance community safety. We echo Police Minister Paul Papalia words that “…..our clear focus is on community safety.”
AGSA convenor Stephen Bendle said AGSA members are eager to see WA be the first jurisdiction that will be fully compliant with the National Firearms Agreement.
“All States and Territories signed the Agreement in 1996 following the Port Arthur tragedy. They all re-committed to the Agreement when it was reviewed in 2017. However, despite this commitment, no jurisdiction is fully compliant,” he said.
“Almost 26 years after Port Arthur many Australians continue to carry the physical and emotional scars of that tragedy. We are also reminded every day of the widespread and devastating harm associated with easy access to firearms in the USA and Australians expect our governments to protect us.
“AGSA understands that the majority of gun owners are law-abiding people. We recognise that hunting and shooting is a lawful activity enjoyed by a small number of people. However, it is a privilege and should be totally conditional on the public safety of the whole community.”
AGSA looks forward to working cooperatively with the Government in strengthening the new Act.
