Page 1109 - Week 04 - Thursday, 21 May 2020
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The explanatory statement provides some interesting insight into the evolution of those sports and the way that that new equipment is being used. This bill supports those changing practices. We support the passage of the bill.
MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella—Manager of Government Business, Minister for Advanced Technology and Space Industries, Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Minister for Planning and Land Management, Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Minister for Urban Renewal) (4.27), in reply: The Firearms Legislation Amendment Bill 2020 continues the government’s work in developing appropriate firearms legislation in the ACT. The ACT firearms legislation is robust in ensuring public safety, a key priority for this government. At the same time, this legislation reflects and takes into account the interests of legitimate firearms users.
The bill makes amendments to the laws regulating firearms and weapons in the ACT in order to support the legitimate activities of biathletes, pentathletes and commonwealth aviation security inspectors.
Australia competes in both biathlon and modern pentathlon at the Olympic Games. Modern pentathlon consists of fencing, freestyle swimming, equestrian showjumping and a final combined event of pistol shooting and cross-country running. Biathlon is a winter Olympics sport that combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting. The rules governing the shooting components of these sports have changed over the years, transitioning to air pistols in the 1990s.
Laser target shooting devices have been used at the Olympics since the 2012 summer games in London. These devices, also known as laser pistols or laser rifles, fall within the definition of an imitation firearm under the Firearms Act, so ordinarily a permit would be required to authorise their possession and use. This bill makes an amendment to exempt participants, athletes, coaches and officials of biathlon or modern pentathlon from the requirement to obtain a permit for their laser target shooting devices used for the purpose of participation in their sport.
Similar arrangements are already in place in New South Wales and Victoria, and we will continue to consult with these states when it comes to determining any necessary guidelines or other advice that may need to be provided in relation to the exemption in the future.
At the upcoming 2020 Tokyo games, to be held now in 2021, and subject to developments with the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia will be represented by two athletes in modern pentathlon, Marina Carrier and Edward Fernon. Marina recently finished her junior career ranked in the top 10 in the world. Marina first learned about the sport as a 13-year-old from her teacher. At age 17 she qualified for the Youth Olympic Games, YOG, as Australia’s first ever YOG modern pentathlete. Now, at age 23, Marina is making her Olympic debut in modern pentathlon. Edward Fernon will be competing in his second Olympics, having placed 27th at the 2012 London games. I wish them both well. These amendments will help athletes like Marina and Edward to train and compete in the ACT.
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