The democratic people's republic of WA - updates

[nobodylikesthis]

Over the past months, some delegates have been actively engaging in discussions with government representatives and the WAPOL about the proposed changes to the Firearms Act. These changes may raise concerns and uncertainties...

Updates:
1. Meeting with Hon. Paul Papalia and two consultation sessions with WAPOL. Both parties have shown a strong understanding of our niche operations and have expressed a positive view of our professional community service. They have particularly commended our training and project processes.
2. We understand that the legislation is now set, and the focus is on developing the supporting regulations and an online portal for firearm licensing, authorities, and renewals. While we would have preferred earlier involvement, circumstances did not permit this.
3. We expect the legislation to take effect around 2024. At this time, all “Rec Hunt/Shoot” licenses will convert to a new license class (tentatively titled “Hunting and Target Shooting”), and all existing property letters will become invalidated.
4. Under the new system, shooters can have as many Letters of Authority (LOAs) as they have firearms. Shooters must provide a new LOA for their firearm at the time of license renewal, and can only use the firearm on the property specified in the LOA. Property owners must renew LOAs annually and can rescind them at any time.
5. The number of LOAs a property owner can issue will depend on factors such as size, topology, and vermin presence, with data confirmation from DBCA and DPIRD.
6. We have formed the WAPOL Consultation Subcommittee to liaise with stakeholders on the Firearms Act rewrite.
7. WAPOL is proposing a “permit” system, which aligns with our current operations and will enable projects and community shooting events to continue. This system will result in additional costs, which will affect membership fees.
8. Health checks, particularly focusing on mental well-being, are to be part of the new legislation. These checks could be integrated into routine GP check-ups or even conducted via telehealth.
9. The legislation may establish limits on the number of firearms a person can own. We have made detailed submissions regarding the variety of firearms required for different pest species to inform these limits.
10. Hands-on competency training will be mandatory under the new legislation. We are pleased to inform you that our excellent training programs have been recognised, and we have been included in the training working group with WAPOL. This is an opportunity for us to contribute to shaping the training standards in line with our robust practices.
11. There will be changes to security requirements, with the complexity of setups determined by the number and type of firearms stored.
12. The act of reloading will be fully codified in legislation as legal, providing a clear legal basis for this activity and moving beyond its previous status as a WAPOL policy.

[mchughcb]

Sounds like it will completely solve a perceived problem in the nanny state of Australia.

Mark McGowan saved us.

[bladeracer]

Who is the "our" in this statement - Both parties have shown a strong understanding of our niche operations and have expressed a positive view of our professional community service. They have particularly commended our training and project processes.? It sounds like this is coming from a business that is going to do nicely out of this.

The required training sounds like a great way to price people out of taking up shooting - has lack of training proved to be a significant issue in the past, in any state?
The requiring one LOA per firearm and only allowing use of that firearm on that single property will destroy most recreational hunting. Currently you only need a letter to purchase a firearm which you can then use on any property that allows you to.
More security is ridiculous, WA is already way stricter than any other state, and I'm not aware of it being a significant problem in those states.

I would suggest that anybody that is enthusiastic about shooting start making preparations to move interstate.

Over the past months, some delegates have been actively engaging in discussions with government representatives and the WAPOL about the proposed changes to the Firearms Act. These changes may raise concerns and uncertainties...

Updates:
1. Meeting with Hon. Paul Papalia and two consultation sessions with WAPOL. Both parties have shown a strong understanding of our niche operations and have expressed a positive view of our professional community service. They have particularly commended our training and project processes.
2. We understand that the legislation is now set, and the focus is on developing the supporting regulations and an online portal for firearm licensing, authorities, and renewals. While we would have preferred earlier involvement, circumstances did not permit this.
3. We expect the legislation to take effect around 2024. At this time, all “Rec Hunt/Shoot” licenses will convert to a new license class (tentatively titled “Hunting and Target Shooting”), and all existing property letters will become invalidated.
4. Under the new system, shooters can have as many Letters of Authority (LOAs) as they have firearms. Shooters must provide a new LOA for their firearm at the time of license renewal, and can only use the firearm on the property specified in the LOA. Property owners must renew LOAs annually and can rescind them at any time.
5. The number of LOAs a property owner can issue will depend on factors such as size, topology, and vermin presence, with data confirmation from DBCA and DPIRD.
6. We have formed the WAPOL Consultation Subcommittee to liaise with stakeholders on the Firearms Act rewrite.
7. WAPOL is proposing a “permit” system, which aligns with our current operations and will enable projects and community shooting events to continue. This system will result in additional costs, which will affect membership fees.
8. Health checks, particularly focusing on mental well-being, are to be part of the new legislation. These checks could be integrated into routine GP check-ups or even conducted via telehealth.
9. The legislation may establish limits on the number of firearms a person can own. We have made detailed submissions regarding the variety of firearms required for different pest species to inform these limits.
10. Hands-on competency training will be mandatory under the new legislation. We are pleased to inform you that our excellent training programs have been recognised, and we have been included in the training working group with WAPOL. This is an opportunity for us to contribute to shaping the training standards in line with our robust practices.
11. There will be changes to security requirements, with the complexity of setups determined by the number and type of firearms stored.
12. The act of reloading will be fully codified in legislation as legal, providing a clear legal basis for this activity and moving beyond its previous status as a WAPOL policy.

[Oldbloke]

Some have already dug an escape tunnel to S.A..

And yes, I was also thinking "who is we".

[Amityville]

Initially was going to ask who is we/ our but I think the title gives it relevance, it's a Democratic Republic of WA right?

Can you imagine some boaties been told you need to licence this fishing rod to a small piece of the sea, pay yearly fees to see Drs to prove you a worthy of holding a rod, only use this specific rod, on your specific area, the owner may only license a few people and you must pay yearly, etc etc etc etc

Seriously considering ditching this joke of a state, but they did just U turn on some other legislation poorly implemented...

[Faedy]

Who are you, and what is this crap you propose.
Honestly what crap

[No1_49er]

Whoever nobodylikesthis is, they're starting out pretty good with post number 1.

[bigrich]

Who is the "our" in this statement - Both parties have shown a strong understanding of our niche operations and have expressed a positive view of our professional community service. They have particularly commended our training and project processes.? It sounds like this is coming from a business that is going to do nicely out of this.

The required training sounds like a great way to price people out of taking up shooting - has lack of training proved to be a significant issue in the past, in any state?
The requiring one LOA per firearm and only allowing use of that firearm on that single property will destroy most recreational hunting. Currently you only need a letter to purchase a firearm which you can then use on any property that allows you to.
More security is ridiculous, WA is already way stricter than any other state, and I'm not aware of it being a significant problem in those states.

I would suggest that anybody that is enthusiastic about shooting start making preparations to move interstate.

Over the past months, some delegates have been actively engaging in discussions with government representatives and the WAPOL about the proposed changes to the Firearms Act. These changes may raise concerns and uncertainties...

Updates:
1. Meeting with Hon. Paul Papalia and two consultation sessions with WAPOL. Both parties have shown a strong understanding of our niche operations and have expressed a positive view of our professional community service. They have particularly commended our training and project processes.
2. We understand that the legislation is now set, and the focus is on developing the supporting regulations and an online portal for firearm licensing, authorities, and renewals. While we would have preferred earlier involvement, circumstances did not permit this.
3. We expect the legislation to take effect around 2024. At this time, all “Rec Hunt/Shoot” licenses will convert to a new license class (tentatively titled “Hunting and Target Shooting”), and all existing property letters will become invalidated.
4. Under the new system, shooters can have as many Letters of Authority (LOAs) as they have firearms. Shooters must provide a new LOA for their firearm at the time of license renewal, and can only use the firearm on the property specified in the LOA. Property owners must renew LOAs annually and can rescind them at any time.
5. The number of LOAs a property owner can issue will depend on factors such as size, topology, and vermin presence, with data confirmation from DBCA and DPIRD.
6. We have formed the WAPOL Consultation Subcommittee to liaise with stakeholders on the Firearms Act rewrite.
7. WAPOL is proposing a “permit” system, which aligns with our current operations and will enable projects and community shooting events to continue. This system will result in additional costs, which will affect membership fees.
8. Health checks, particularly focusing on mental well-being, are to be part of the new legislation. These checks could be integrated into routine GP check-ups or even conducted via telehealth.
9. The legislation may establish limits on the number of firearms a person can own. We have made detailed submissions regarding the variety of firearms required for different pest species to inform these limits.
10. Hands-on competency training will be mandatory under the new legislation. We are pleased to inform you that our excellent training programs have been recognised, and we have been included in the training working group with WAPOL. This is an opportunity for us to contribute to shaping the training standards in line with our robust practices.
11. There will be changes to security requirements, with the complexity of setups determined by the number and type of firearms stored.
12. The act of reloading will be fully codified in legislation as legal, providing a clear legal basis for this activity and moving beyond its previous status as a WAPOL policy.

well said blade . more government over regulation and over reach will drive people from shooting/hunting . in a couple of years the WA guvment will be wondering why feral numbers have spiked and how their going to afford to deal with it . why is it guvment officials make policy and decisions on things they no nothing about with no consultation with people that do ? in south east QLD we've seen a big increase in victorian's moving here thanks to comrade dan . i suppose i'll be seeing more WA license plates soon ........

[womble]

Chinese delegates ?

[bladeracer]

I'm still waiting to see some evidence that any of this is factual.

[Bazz]

4. Under the new system, shooters can have as many Letters of Authority (LOAs) as they have firearms. Shooters must provide a new LOA for their firearm at the time of license renewal, and can only use the firearm on the property specified in the LOA. Property owners must renew LOAs annually and can rescind them at any time.

Bloody hell this will cripple us if true...

You've touched on very good points Blade but again, it just falls on deaf ears over here. Would be great to see where this info is coming from.

[mikld]

Great Labor wish list in the guise of SSAA corpo-speak. I think given their wishes, we have to push back in some way. The farmers/community did it with the Heritage act, with 30,000 signatures submitted. I wonder what it would take for us to get our acts into gear and sign the epetition due to be submitted to Parliament in the next sitting?
As someone who grew up hunting, helping out farmers on weekends keeping the foxes and bunnies down to acceptable levels, I'm watching my favourite pasttime slip away. If true, we're screwed.

[Barbarian]

Who the f*** is "our"

Certainly not me.

While I don't largely have an issue with more training for new shooters, the rest seems utterly moronic.

Aside from the clearly broadcast intent of Papalia's stazi trying to go after as many licenses as they can, these changes do nothing for public safety.

We -had- a review of the Firearms act with recommendations from the committee yet none of the changes were implemented.

Mental Health Checks will be a f***ing nightmare to establish, especially anyone who doesn't see a GP regularly - also, whats to stop GP's that are among the anti crowd from simply refusing to put their name next to saying your okay in the head?

And this LOA s**t pointless, setting some arbitrary number on how many shooters, or firearms, it seems that you can welcome onto your property. Its not like your gonna have everyone there at a time? What business is it of WAPOL if you want to bring 100 of your friends around to your farm to have an afternoon plinking session? All these new restrictions as I've said before, completely ignore the validity of Recreational Shooting as outlined in the General Reason for being issued a firearms license that has ALLWAYS been legal in WA.

[Bazz]

Taken straight from the Western Australian Firearms Community Alliance - WAFCA facebook page (14th Aug)

A quick key points update for the WA licensed firearm owning community on whats been happening with the Western Australian Firearms Community Alliance - WAFCA and what we know so far in the actual weekly meetings with Senior WA Police.

1. A delegation of senior Western Australian Firearms Community Alliance - WAFCA representatives and key stakeholders attend weekly meetings every Wednesday with Senior WA Police. The Western Australian Firearms Community Alliance - WAFCA representatives are comprised of highly credentialed and mature Recreational Shooters and Hunters, Competition Shooters, Land Managers, WA and National Firearm Industry Representatives, WA and National Ballistic Association Representatives, WA Firearm Collectors, Rural and Regional firearm owners, and everyday law abiding WA Firearm Enthusiasts.

2. Senior WA Police advise us that they are often instructed to meet with individuals and other interested parties with respect to the re write of the WA Firearms Act. Statements made on the back of those single meetings are beyond the control of key stakeholders and do not represent any decisions that have been made.

3. The topics covered to date have included the major concerns from the 90,000 strong WA Firearm Owning Community, following statements from the Minister about proposed firearm limits for different sectors of the firearm owning community, the future genuine reasons for owning a firearm, security and safe storage of firearms and the proposed ten firearm licence categories.

4. The Western Australian Firearms Community Alliance - WAFCA have been advised that we will receive a DISCLOSURE DRAFT of the WA Firearms Act before a period of Public Submission is opened. Indications are that this may happen in late 2023, but it is still subject to change. The political will of the current Labor Government will ultimately determine when the 1st draft of the PROPOSED FIREARMS ACT is ready.

5. The WA Western Australian Firearms Community Alliance - WAFCA representatives have consulted with their respective groups and established positions on the key concerns from a broad spectrum of the licensed firearm community. These positions have been clearly expressed and detailed in the weekly meetings with WA Police. Without solid commitments on these issues the WA Western Australian Firearms Community Alliance - WAFCA will not speculate on what outcomes can be achieved until final agreements are reached.

We will continue to provide updates to the WA Firearm Community via this page when we have real tangible resolutions and will not get sucked into the vortex of false or misleading statements.

Stay Tuned and Thank you for all your support and patience as we collectively fight for ALL WA Firearm Users and the future of our recreational pursuits.

I find point number 2 particularly relevant here.

[bladeracer]

Thanks for that. I wonder why the anon poster that planted it here preferred not to make that known to us.

Taken straight from the Western Australian Firearms Community Alliance - WAFCA facebook page (14th Aug)

A quick key points update for the WA licensed firearm owning community on whats been happening with the Western Australian Firearms Community Alliance - WAFCA and what we know so far in the actual weekly meetings with Senior WA Police.

1. A delegation of senior Western Australian Firearms Community Alliance - WAFCA representatives and key stakeholders attend weekly meetings every Wednesday with Senior WA Police. The Western Australian Firearms Community Alliance - WAFCA representatives are comprised of highly credentialed and mature Recreational Shooters and Hunters, Competition Shooters, Land Managers, WA and National Firearm Industry Representatives, WA and National Ballistic Association Representatives, WA Firearm Collectors, Rural and Regional firearm owners, and everyday law abiding WA Firearm Enthusiasts.

2. Senior WA Police advise us that they are often instructed to meet with individuals and other interested parties with respect to the re write of the WA Firearms Act. Statements made on the back of those single meetings are beyond the control of key stakeholders and do not represent any decisions that have been made.

3. The topics covered to date have included the major concerns from the 90,000 strong WA Firearm Owning Community, following statements from the Minister about proposed firearm limits for different sectors of the firearm owning community, the future genuine reasons for owning a firearm, security and safe storage of firearms and the proposed ten firearm licence categories.

4. The Western Australian Firearms Community Alliance - WAFCA have been advised that we will receive a DISCLOSURE DRAFT of the WA Firearms Act before a period of Public Submission is opened. Indications are that this may happen in late 2023, but it is still subject to change. The political will of the current Labor Government will ultimately determine when the 1st draft of the PROPOSED FIREARMS ACT is ready.

5. The WA Western Australian Firearms Community Alliance - WAFCA representatives have consulted with their respective groups and established positions on the key concerns from a broad spectrum of the licensed firearm community. These positions have been clearly expressed and detailed in the weekly meetings with WA Police. Without solid commitments on these issues the WA Western Australian Firearms Community Alliance - WAFCA will not speculate on what outcomes can be achieved until final agreements are reached.

We will continue to provide updates to the WA Firearm Community via this page when we have real tangible resolutions and will not get sucked into the vortex of false or misleading statements.

Stay Tuned and Thank you for all your support and patience as we collectively fight for ALL WA Firearm Users and the future of our recreational pursuits.

I find point number 2 particularly relevant here.

[Boundry Rider]

I'm still waiting to see some evidence that any of this is factual.

The underlying intent is correct. I've been following this for some time now.
There's no happy faces in the firearms industry/ community in WA right now.
90K licensed shooters and 5K signed the Parliamentary petition.