Page 262 - Week 01 - Thursday, 14 February 1991
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The Bill makes a large number of changes to the Weapons Bill which I introduced last year. Many of these changes are of a minor or technical nature; however, I draw attention to the removal of the system of permits to acquire weapons which was contained in the 1990 Bill. After careful consideration, the costs and inconvenience associated with giving effect to this duplicative system were found to be unjustifiable. The imposition of a 28-day cooling-off period where a person acquires his or her first firearm, and the need to ensure that a person only acquires a firearm of a kind suitable for the reason for which his or her licence was granted, have been preserved by including appropriate offences in clause 77.
The Bill also extends the duration of licences from one year to two years. Again, this will reduce the cost of administering the Bill. It is not considered that the extension will result in any weakening of controls. Indeed, members may be aware that in certain other jurisdictions licences are issued for an indefinite period in some circumstances.
This Bill is a matter which the Government will keep under review and one on which the Weapons Control Advisory Committee, which I have previously announced will be established by the Government, may wish to make recommendations. The development of the Bill has a lengthy history and has involved the sensitive handling of an emotive subject. I wish to place on record the appreciation of the Government for the assistance of those persons, both within the ACT Government Law Office and in the community, who have contributed to that development.
Mr Speaker, I present the explanatory memorandum for the Bill.
Debate (on motion by Mr Connolly) adjourned.
WEAPONS (CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS) BILL 1991
MR COLLAERY (Attorney-General) (10.47): Mr Speaker, I present the Weapons (Consequential Amendments) Bill 1991. I move:
That this Bill be agreed to in principle.
Mr Speaker, this Bill amends three Acts as a consequence of the Weapons Bill 1991: the Crimes Act 1900 of the State of New South Wales in its application in the Territory; the Domestic Violence Act 1986; and the Magistrates Court Act 1930.
The amendment of the Crimes Act 1900 makes it clear that, when a police officer enters premises pursuant to powers conferred by sections 349A, 349B or 349C of that Act, the
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