WA Firearm Law Reforms - Monday 16 October announcement

[Dess787]

When the new laws go through Parliament in February, do the public (us) get to see details of what is being submitted for approval ? or do we need to wait until it has gone through the process before we see the new laws ?

IIRC the state parliament Web sites list "bills" so should be able to download a pdf of the bill.

Cool that is good

[Oldbloke]

I couldn't find it. Probably hasn't been "introduced" yet.

[geoff]

When the new laws go through Parliament in February, do the public (us) get to see details of what is being submitted for approval ? or do we need to wait until it has gone through the process before we see the new laws ?

https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/WebCMS ... ve-process

https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/hansar ... ncedSearch

[Lazarus]

When the new laws go through Parliament in February, do the public (us) get to see details of what is being submitted for approval ? or do we need to wait until it has gone through the process before we see the new laws ?

That's an excellent question.
Unfortunately the answer is depressing: unlikely.

We're told we live in a "representative" democracy, but there are many instances where the majority(us) want or need something, and the minority(bloody politicians) decide otherwise and then declare the reason/s "cabinet in confidence"
Cnuts

[Oldbloke]

When the new laws go through Parliament in February, do the public (us) get to see details of what is being submitted for approval ? or do we need to wait until it has gone through the process before we see the new laws ?

That's an excellent question.
Unfortunately the answer is depressing: unlikely.

We're told we live in a "representative" democracy, but there are many instances where the majority(us) want or need something, and the minority(bloody politicians) decide otherwise and then declare the reason/s "cabinet in confidence"
Cnuts

Read the process mate.
Once its been "introduced" to parliament it becomes a "bill" we can down load the "bill" from the state parliament Web site.

We get no say at that Point. It's up to both houses to decide.

We only get to vote every few years.OR if the government decides to consult. In this case consulting was a sham.

[alexjones]

This is why the SSAA annoy me. They should be our version of the NRA or GOA taking every million plus gun owners dollars and pushing for more freedom. yet we all know they love to bend over.

[Dess787]

If anyone has access to this full article, can they copy and paste it here ? Today's West

Police raid Gun Mart and Tackle in Midvale over compliance and storage issues

https://thewest.com.au/news/crime/polic ... c-13484160


How bad would things have to be for it to be a raid and not a friendly visit ?

[moopere]

OMG! This, following on from the closure of the MSFA midland range for 'lead' reasons and which is attached both physically and by ownership (I believe) to Gun Mart & Tackle in Midland (midvale).

Someones really got a stick up their ass about this business obviously. My hopes for the reopening of the range sink even lower ....

[5-0]

If anyone has access to this full article, can they copy and paste it here ? Today's West

Police raid Gun Mart and Tackle in Midvale over compliance and storage issues

https://thewest.com.au/news/crime/polic ... c-13484160


How bad would things have to be for it to be a raid and not a friendly visit ?

https://archive.md/Pq1Bb

Police raid Gun Mart and Tackle in Midvale over compliance and storage issues
Lauren Price
The West Australian
Tue, 6 February 2024 12:09AM
Police have raided a weapons store, seizing multiple crates of guns and ammunition, in Perth’s north-east.
It is understood detectives were at Gun Mart and Tackle in Midvale for several hours on Monday, mining through the shop’s weapons and ammunition stock.
A WA Police spokeswoman confirmed that officers conducted the search in relation to “ongoing compliance matters” over how guns were stored.
Officers are expected to remain at the store for several days.

[Dess787]

Thanks Still wondering why this is news worthy and raid worthy

Gun storage, yes a visit and inspection no problem but there must be something more illegal than that to warrant all of this

Does not bode well for this shop and range

[Oldbloke]

So, the Western Australian Firearms Community Alliance (WAFCA) has launched a TV advertising campaign.

https://sportingshooter.com.au/news/wa- ... ead%20More

[Toadstool]

When the new laws go through Parliament in February, do the public (us) get to see details of what is being submitted for approval ? or do we need to wait until it has gone through the process before we see the new laws ?

Is the law put into effect straight away when this happens? So it'll be in place by end of feb?

[Oldbloke]

When the new laws go through Parliament in February, do the public (us) get to see details of what is being submitted for approval ? or do we need to wait until it has gone through the process before we see the new laws ?

Is the law put into effect straight away when this happens? So it'll be in place by end of feb?

After its signed off by the governor. Usually within say,, 4 weeks.

[Oldbloke]

Read the process

When the new laws go through Parliament in February, do the public (us) get to see details of what is being submitted for approval ? or do we need to wait until it has gone through the process before we see the new laws ?

https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/WebCMS ... ve-process

https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/hansar ... ncedSearch

Edit:
The process may vary slightly in each state but is basically the same. Federal parliament I assume is similar. Again, perhaps slightly different.

[alexjones]

I believe the media is hyping up the story with the word "raid". In reality police arrived to the store to discuss the ongoing compliance issue.

[moopere]

I believe the media is hyping up the story with the word "raid". In reality police arrived to the store to discuss the ongoing compliance issue.

I wonder. Can't believe anything media says thats a given, but this:

"Police have raided a weapons store, seizing multiple crates of guns and ammunition, in Perth’s north-east.
It is understood detectives were at Gun Mart and Tackle in Midvale for several hours on Monday, mining through the shop’s weapons and ammunition stock."

Makes me wonder. Sure, remove 'raided' and replace with visited, but did they actually take away weapons and ammo (seize! lol)? Mining could be another word for reviewing or checking, but if stock was removed thats a whole other thing.

Anyway, those of us affected can't do much more than wait I suppose ...

[Oldbloke]

Well, $76ml is budgeted for the W.A. gun buy back.

https://sportingshooter.com.au/news/exp ... ead%20More

It's really fkd over there.

[Faedy]

We are gutted.
The proposed buy back prices are criminal.
I'm one of the ones that will get punished. I'm nearly 60, and have been shooting/hunting for 55yrs as well as keeping each firearm and adding continually.
When covid started I had some spare coin so I bought enough reloading consumables and ammo to last me out.
Done sums and I'm approx $45k out of pocket.

Well, $76ml is budgeted for the W.A. gun buy back.

https://sportingshooter.com.au/news/exp ... ead%20More

It's really fkd over there.

[mchughcb]

In WA at the moment, just spent the day at a local gun club. Mood is very bad. Obviously Paul is got a hard on for gun owners and they are being hit with draconian laws for no justifiable reason. There is something not right with Paul.

[Raptor209]

I believe the media is hyping up the story with the word "raid". In reality police arrived to the store to discuss the ongoing compliance issue.

Nothing to hype up, article is factual.

Simple facts, the shop is now closed for an unknown period of time

All remaining firearms both shop owned(for sale), awaiting licence approval and ammunition is now with WAPOL. This is after all stored firearms and club guns were removed by WAPOL a few weeks prior.

[Dess787]

2 days until we hear the details of the new laws

Many clubs are now closing their doors to new members which will make it really hard for anyone to convert from recreational shooter to club shooter.

Clubs are mostly non profit so they will only take the number of new members they can handle.

I wonder how many gun shops will fold, and the ones which remain will really reduce the amount of new stock they get in, less variety will be available.

Will be a lot of secondhand guns hitting the market of course

[Oldbloke]

In WA at the moment, just spent the day at a local gun club. Mood is very bad. Obviously Paul is got a hard on for gun owners and they are being hit with draconian laws for no justifiable reason. There is something not right with Paul.

He is an idiot and cnt. The combination is always bad news.

[Oldbloke]

We are gutted.
The proposed buy back prices are criminal.
I'm one of the ones that will get punished. I'm nearly 60, and have been shooting/hunting for 55yrs as well as keeping each firearm and adding continually.
When covid started I had some spare coin so I bought enough reloading consumables and ammo to last me out.
Done sums and I'm approx $45k out of pocket.

Well, $76ml is budgeted for the W.A. gun buy back.

https://sportingshooter.com.au/news/exp ... ead%20More

It's really fkd over there.

That's sh1t. Sorry to hear that. There will be plenty more like you.

[Dess787]

The West is so obviously in cahoots with the Labor govt

The timing of this article is so suspect (today)




Reason for WA Police’s raid on Gun Mart and Tackle in Midvale revealed

A Perth firearm dealer has been stripped of his licence and police have seized every single gun from his eastern suburbs store as part of a compliance crackdown targeting firearm-related businesses.

Earlier this month, police descended on Gun Mart and Tackle in Midvale — emerging with a cache of rifles and other weapons — however, mystery surrounded the reason for the raid.

The West Australian now understands the business was caught up in a recent police operation by the licensing enforcement division, along with independent firearm range inspectors, carrying out compliance checks.

It is alleged the inspection at the Midvale store uncovered “anomalies” with firearm storage at the premises and other “storage offences”.

The dealer’s licence has since been revoked and all firearms at the premises were seized.
Officers of the scene after the raid.
Ongoing investigation
Police seize guns and ammunition after raid on Perth store

Lauren Price
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Inside the courtroom with Tim Clarke.
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The compliance operation also resulted in the revocation of a warehouseman approval — which allows an approved person to sore firearms on behalf of a licensed gun owner — also due to alleged failures to safely store items.

It came as two firing ranges in the metropolitan area were ordered to cease all shooting activities late last year after officers identified remedial work was required to ensure the safety of people using the venue.
Police investigate Gunmart on Great Eastern Highway in Midvale.
Police descended on Gun Mart and Tackle in Midvale — emerging with a cache of rifles and other weapons. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The West Australian
Police investigate Gunmart on Great Eastern Highway in Midvale.
Police investigate Gunmart on Great Eastern Highway in Midvale. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The West Australian

The operation comes as the Cook Government prepares to introduce stricter legislation surrounding firearm ownership into Parliament this week.

Gun owners will also be offered up to $1000 to hand in their weapons under a $64 million buyback scheme as part of the reforms, starting on Wednesday.

[Bazz]

The West is so obviously in cahoots with the Labor govt

The timing of this article is so suspect (today)

Well.......that looks like the death blow for the Midland range and club. What an absolute s**t of a thing!

Apparently members will receive some correspondence soon confirming as such.

[gunderson]

The West is so obviously in cahoots with the Labor govt

The timing of this article is so suspect (today)

Well.......that looks like the death blow for the Midland range and club. What an absolute s**t of a thing!

Apparently members will receive some correspondence soon confirming as such.

Whilst I wouldn't celebrate this, I am not so surprised, Years ago when I lived in Perth, I went to this store to get some ammo... the service was less than helpful bordering on completely insulting. A mate who was working with me went in to buy himself a lever action 44mag, he ended up all the way across the city at Claremont firearms instead, thats how helpful they were.

[Dess787]

The West Australian again !

Port Arthur massacre: Walter Mikac throws support behind WA gun laws after losing family in tragedy
Headshot of Dylan Caporn
Dylan Caporn
The West Australian
Tue, 20 February 2024 9:08PM
Comments
Dylan Caporn
Walter Mikac has spent his life making sure others never experience the trauma and heartbreak he faced at Port Arthur in 1996.
Walter Mikac has spent his life making sure others never experience the trauma and heartbreak he faced at Port Arthur in 1996. Credit: The West Australian

Walter Mikac has spent his life making sure others never experience the trauma and heartbreak he faced at Port Arthur in 1996.

The father of two lost his daughters Alannah, 6, and Madeline, 3, and wife Nanette in Australia’s worst gun massacre, and was a powerful voice campaigning for the Federal reforms that followed.

Now Mr Mikac, who founded the Alannah and Madeline Foundation in honour of his girls, is throwing his support behind the WA Government’s proposed firearm reforms.

Police Minister Paul Papalia will introduce the laws to Parliament on Wednesday, touted as the toughest in the nation. The laws will impose limits on firearm ownership and will come on the same day a $64 million gun buyback will start.

Under the buyback, based on the 1996 Commonwealth program after the Port Arthur massacre, owners will receive a payment in line with retail baseline valuations developed with the industry.
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Inside the courtroom with Tim Clarke.
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Walter Mikac (34) & family in front of Walter Mikac's Tasman Pharmacy at Nubeena, wife Nanette Patricia (36), daughters Alannah Louise (6) Madeline Grace Mikac (3), wife & daughters shot while visiting Port Arthur historic settlement 28/04/96 by gunman Martin Bryant who shot 20 people at Broad Arrow Cafe, then further 15 people at historic settlement, later held police at siege in Seascape guesthouse. Mika/Fam Tasmania / Crime / Massacres / Murders / Shootings / Sieges
Father of two Walter Mikac lost his daughters Alannah, 6, and Madeline, 3, and wife Nanette in Australia’s worst gun massacre, and was a powerful voice campaigning for the Federal reforms that followed. Credit: SUPPLIED/News Corp Australia

Speaking to The West, Mr Mikac said his decision never to stop campaigning for gun reform was to maintain a legacy for the 35 people killed at Port Arthur.

“My vow at that time, as it still is, was I don’t really want anyone to be in the same situation that I was in where I’d lost my wife and my children and lost my whole family,” he said.

“There have been times where I’ve wanted just to step back and not have to push that barrow, but I feel I owe it to Nanette and my girls.

“If that’s the legacy we got as a result of this horrific event as a nation, then we’ve done something about it.”
Pictures of Police Minister Paul Papalia outside Dumas House in West Perth.
Police Minister Paul Papalia will introduce the laws, touted as the toughest in the nation, to Parliament on Wednesday. The laws will impose limits on firearm ownership and will come on the same day a $64 million gun buyback will start. Credit: Ross Swanborough/The West Australian

Mr Mikac said he was horrified whenever he heard of fatal shootings, such as the Osmington family massacre in 2018 and the death of police constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow and Alan Dare in Queensland in 2022.

“That sent shockwaves through our community because rather than being desensitised to having guns, we’re actually more sensitive for people who are left behind,” he said.

“It’s horrific — for the parents and the partners, it’s a life sentence. No matter what, even if you remarry, you can never replace that, and it’s just like a scar you hold in your heart for the rest of your life.

“If we can, if we can minimise that opportunity for that to happen, then we’re going to be a better country.”

Labor’s firearm reforms will enforce a limit of five weapons for single licence holders and allow up to 10 for owners with multiple purposes.

Mr Mikac said other States were clearly watching WA’s reforms and would likely follow suit so they’re not left behind.

“Once someone has the guts and fortitude to stand up and do that, other states will sit up and look at that and go, you know, we don’t want to lag behind,” he said.

“That would lead to that domino effect. Let’s get back to why gun control was there, to begin with, and that’s public safety.
Police Minister Paul Papalia said all firearms owners should consider taking part in the voluntary buyback.
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“We’ve come a long way since the first agreement in 1996. Let’s work to strengthen that, not water it down.”

Mr Papalia said the Bill’s introduction was a momentous day for WA.

“Years of consultation and hard work has gone into rewriting the State’s 50-year-old Firearms Act from the ground up,” he said.

“A small number of people oppose these laws because they want an American-style gun culture and unlimited guns for everybody; we don’t agree with that, and neither do 88 per cent of Western Australians.”

Premier Roger Cook said he was unapologetic for prioritising public safety above the privilege of owning a firearm.

[alexjones]

Walter Mikac is a F ing idiot. Whilst his wife and kids were getting killed on that Sunday he was out seeing another women. A lot of people seem to forget that.


Maybe if he wife was allowed concealed carry she could of defended herself?

[gunderson]

imagine being so conceited that you blame every law abiding firearms owner in the country for one criminals behavior.

[alexjones]

imagine being so conceited that you blame every law abiding firearms owner in the country for one criminals behavior.

That is what Australians do. They love banning and regulating things because of what someone may do. Instead of punshing people who do the wrong thing they love to punish everybody.

I have a cat C and D licence so I can buy self loading longarms. People with only spots or recreation can't. However we both go through the same police background check. There is no difference. Yet one is deemed "safe" purely because one makes money off his guns where the other doesn't.