THE NSW Government’s sudden move to abolish paper-based firearm applications hurts thousands of law-abiding firearm users, according to the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers (SFF) Party.
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Since late October 2018, all applications to obtain and renew a firearms licence and to purchase firearms must be done online via a Service NSW account.
This replaces the previous paper-based postal application system.
SFF candidate for the state seat of Upper Hunter Lee Watts said she's received a number of complaints from people in her region.
“A lot of residents near me don't have internet access, or can't get a connection in their home," she said.
“It’s ridiculous this sudden change was introduced without any warning or consultation.
“The state and federal governments need to dramatically improve communication networks in the bush if they are going to push everything online.”
Mrs Watts said while she doesn’t oppose the idea of online applications, paper-based applications should still be offered.
“I've spoken to people who don't have a Service NSW account, don’t have an email address, don’t have internet access and don't know how they'll renew a licence they've held for decades,” she added.
“What are they supposed to do?
“As primary producers, guns are tools of their trade.
“Communication on these changes has also been very poor.”
SFF Upper House MP Robert Borsak also questioned why a “good reason” test is now applied on firearm purchases, including the buying of low-level Category A firearms such as air rifles, rimfire rifles and non-pump action shotguns.
The NSW Government has long required firearm users to obtain a Permit to Acquire (PTA) before they can buy firearms, on top of the requirement to obtain a firearms licence.
A “good reason” question to obtain a PTA was not present in the previous paper application form.
But, it is now included on the new online application form.
“It’s unclear, as always, but it seems ‘good reason’ means ‘genuine need’,“ Mr Borsak said.
“So Category A licence holders have to show a ‘genuine need’ to purchase say an air rifle.
“Will clay target shooting at a local club count as a ‘genuine need’?
“Where is the evidence this change improves community safety?
"The Liberals and Nationals are just trying to make life hell for sporting shooters, hunters and farmers.
“Every law-abiding sporting shooter, hunter and farmer needs to remember this when they vote at the NSW state election in March, 2019.”
Mr Borsak said the SFF would push hard to re-instate paper-based applications, as an alternative to online applications; and remove the “good reason” question for PTA applications for Category A firearms.
