From the QLD Shooters Union

[MeccaOz]

In fact with our next state election getting closer, it is WAY past time for the LNP government to honour their 2012 pre election pledge to “reduce red tape (paperwork by 20%)". Shooters Union (along with other pro shooting groups) has worked tirelessly since the election of the LNP government to make sure they honour this promise.

However despite some very small improvements and lots of soothing noises from the LNP, we really haven't seen any positive action.

We are repeatedly told that “it takes time to make changes”, and yet just last week we saw the LNP government change a major economic policy overnight when aged pensioners began putting pressure on their local members and the government as a whole. So maybe it is just that firearm owners are a little too relaxed about expressing our views, and just maybe the LNP government is taking our votes for granted.......

In fact if you apply for a new firearms licence or attempt to renew your current licence then you will find that 3-9 months later you may still be waiting for a result even though the Qld Police service has taken your money and you have completed all the multiple steps to comply with this process.

Ask yourself a question. "What would happen in Queensland if we all paid for and fulfilled all the paperwork for our driver's licences (new or renewal) and were left waiting for months?" There would be MASSIVE outcry and pressure and the government of the day would step in and fix the problem VERY FAST!! We simply would not tolerate it.

And yet we have over 200,000 Queenslanders being treated as second-class citizens. If any of us paid for any commercial product or service and were forced to wait anything like this length of time we would be entitled to use Australian Consumer Law to get satisfaction.

Simply put the situation is not acceptable to anyone, let alone from a government that promised to help firearms owners get a fair deal.

SO what can we do?

If you have been waiting for an extended period for either a new or renewed licence and feel it is unfair or you need assistance, please contact your local Queensland Member of Parliament and politely explain the situation. Ask him or her to investigate for you. After all, it is their job to represent you.
If you feel that the LNP government should take action NOW to reduce unnecessary paperwork then please contact your local Queensland Member of Parliament and politely ask him or her to investigate just when the government will act to give firearm owners a fair go and honour their promises. Follow the link below to find your local Member's contact details.

http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/docume ... EMLIST.pdf

With an election on the way, it is WAY past time for the LNP to act and give Queensland firearm owners a fair go, and act TODAY to reduce unnecessary red tape and restrictions on your legal activities.

Thanks for your ongoing support.

Graham Park

President.

Shooters Union

[5Tom]

Interesting, I just renewed mine yesterday (renewal is due later this month) so the application won't get looked up until the exact due date and was told there is a possible 3 month wait. Luck of the draw if it comes sooner..

[Shotfox]

Dear Graham,

You will find the problem is not just QLD related and it seems in fact it is a National problem. Frankly, the system requires overhaul on many levels and is forever frustrating, our grievances fall on deaf ears.

I do think we need a National approach to band together and as far as parliament promises go that's another story.

[beerd]

I do think we need a National approach to band together and as far as parliament promises go that's another story.

As long as national laws don't end up with all of us playing by WA rules and that 'empty brass is live ammo' nonsense.